The essentials
Repealing power plant emissions rules increases air pollution linked to 30,000 preventable deaths and $275 billion in lost health benefits.
The power sector accounts for 31% of US carbon emissions from fossil fuels, with coal, gas, and oil-fired plants responsible for one-quarter of total US climate pollution. Dismantling emissions rules would increase smog, mercury, lead, and airborne particles in communities near power facilities.
According to analysis, the EPA's former emissions standards could have prevented approximately 30,000 deaths annually and saved $275 billion through reduced healthcare costs and environmental damage. These figures reflect the direct health impact of air pollution from power generation, including respiratory disease, heart conditions, and premature mortality.
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Emissions rollback linked to thousands of preventable deaths
Power sector pollution directly causes respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The former EPA standard prevented approximately 30,000 deaths annually. Dismantling rules would restore emissions of mercury, lead, and smog-forming particles, concentrating health risks in communities near power plants where populations face disproportionate exposure to industrial pollution.
Power plants represent massive share of US pollution
The power sector produces 31% of US fossil fuel emissions, with thermal power plants alone accounting for one-quarter of national climate pollution. This concentration means emissions reductions in this sector have substantial environmental benefits. Repealing controls reverses progress on reducing pollutants responsible for air quality degradation across the country.