Trump is making coal plants even dirtier as AI demands more energy

Source: The Verge

The Trump administration has rolled back the Biden‑era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), eliminating restrictions on mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. This repeal comes as U.S. electricity demand rises with the expansion of AI data centers.

Repeal of MATS

• MATS were a key regulation targeting emissions from coal‑fired power plants, which account for roughly 50 % of the nation’s mercury emissions.
• The rollback is expected to make it easier for coal plants to operate without installing or maintaining costly pollution controls.

Health impacts of mercury

• Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. High exposure has been linked to:
  • Birth defects
  • Learning disabilities in children
  • Kidney damage
  • Nervous system impairment

The increased emissions from deregulated coal plants could exacerbate these health risks, especially in communities near power generation sites.

Read the full story at The Verge.