Environmental advocates have expressed outrage, claiming the administration is compromising public health for campaign contributions from the fossil fuel sector.

Jill Tauber from Earthjustice criticized the repeal proposal as a violation of legal and scientific mandates concerning greenhouse gas emissions.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse criticized the proposed changes, asserting that they give a free pass to polluting power plants and disregard scientific evidence on the harms of pollutants like mercury and greenhouse gases.

On June 11, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to roll back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and mercury from power plants, a move that aligns with Administrator Lee Zeldin's broader deregulatory agenda.

If finalized by the end of 2025, these changes will mark a significant shift in regulatory priorities under the Trump administration.

Zeldin argues that U.S. power plants contribute too little to global climate pollution to warrant regulation, despite the U.S. being the second-largest climate polluter globally, following China.

Research suggests that the Biden-era regulations could achieve a 73% to 86% reduction in power sector carbon emissions by 2040, compared to a 60% to 83% reduction without them.

These proposed rollbacks are expected to face legal challenges due to their potential negative impact on public health and the environment.

More than 200 health experts have condemned the rollbacks, emphasizing the risks of mercury pollution linked to neurological and respiratory issues.

Critics warn that the rollback of pollution limits will exacerbate health issues, including increased illnesses and environmental disasters caused by climate change.

The ongoing tension between fossil fuel industry interests and environmental concerns is highlighted, alongside the potential economic costs associated with climate change impacts.

Experts estimate that the current regulations prevent approximately 30,000 deaths annually and save around $275 billion each year, underscoring their importance for public health.