The US Environmental Protection Agency has unveiled plans to scrap all remaining limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, marking a significant escalation of President Donald Trump's pro-fossil fuel agenda. The move is likely to worsen air quality and accelerate climate change at a time when electricity demand is surging due to AI data centres, electric vehicles and a resurgence in domestic manufacturing, and it has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and public health groups, who warn of higher healthcare costs and greater exposure to extreme weather.

The power sector accounts for roughly a quarter of America's greenhouse gas emissions, second only to transport. The EPA is finalising a repeal of Biden-era emissions rules and proposing to eliminate any remaining restrictions, arguing that greenhouse gases' impact is too "uncertain" and "global" to regulate at the US power sector level, despite scientific consensus linking such emissions to climate change. The agency claims the changes will save $310 billion (finalised rule) plus a further $370 million in compliance costs (proposed changes), and the plans will be open for 45 days of public comment before facing expected legal challenges from groups including the Sierra Club.