Reid Fraser

The rules were created by the Obama administration and cut mercury pollution 90%.

A 2024 update mandated even more cuts.

The Trump administration's rollback exempts plants from the newest standards, and the industry says the action will prevent more plant closures.

But John Wolk of the Natural Resources Defense Council says plants will run pollution controls less.

The EPA says the rollback saves utilities $78 million a year, but won't lower electricity prices.

For NPR News, I'm Reid Fraser in Pittsburgh.

The rules were created by the Obama administration and cut mercury pollution 90 percent.

A 2024 update mandated even more cuts.

The Trump administration's rollback exempts plants from the newest standards, and the industry says the action will prevent more plant closures.

But John Wolk of the Natural Resources Defense Council says plants will run pollution controls less.

The EPA says the rollback saves utilities $78 million a year, but won't lower electricity prices.

For NPR News, I'm Reid Fraser in Pittsburgh.