US EditionCNN: When the EPA rolled back mercury regulations, it left this community in the path of pollution
The EPA removed a Biden-era mercury emissions rule for lignite plants, raising health concerns for nearby Northern Cheyenne communities due to increased toxic pollution.
- Rescinding the Biden mercury rule, the EPA last year granted Colstrip power plant a waiver to bypass it, according to the agency.
- After years of nationwide cuts, Biden EPA's 2024 regulation aimed to close the lignite carveout, which was granted last year despite mercury emissions from over 30 lignite-burning plants.
- The Colstrip power plant emitted nearly 60 pounds of mercury last year and lacks basic pollution-control technologies, according to EPA-mapped data.
- Northern Cheyenne leaders say Colstrip provides local jobs and tribal air monitoring funding, but mercury and toxins pose risks to pregnant women, babies and small children.
- Despite affecting a small number of plants, experts warn the rollback could have big implications for affected communities like the Northern Cheyenne, as more than 90% of the rest of the coal fleet reduced mercury emissions by 80 or 90%.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Small California communities deserve protection from big polluting manufacturers
Guest Commentary written by Beverly Whitfield Beverly Whitfield is a member of Pixley Residents for EnvironmentalJustice and has lived in Pixley for more than 50 years. Christina Velazquez Christina Velazquez is a members of Pixley Residents for EnvironmentalJustice and has lived in Pixley for more than 50 years. Rushed decisions and backroom deals led to one of the worst rollbacks of environmental protections in California’s recent history du…
When the EPA rolled back mercury regulations, it left this community in the path of pollution
The EPA rolled back a Biden-era regulation targeting power plants that burn lignite coal and emit significant amounts of toxic mercury. The agency said the high cost wasn’t worth the small gain in safety. But the cost-benefit analysis looks different for the people who live nearby.
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