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The 68 coal-fired power plants exempted from mercury and arsenic pollution limits span 23 states. (Source: <a href="https://www.edf.org/maps/epa-pollution-pass/" class="a_color--black">Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Integrity Project analysis of EPA data</a>)
feature June 12, 2025

Corporations Emailed. Then 68 Power Plants Got a Pass to Pollute.

Using a loophole, the Trump administration exempted coal power plants from mercury and arsenic limits, polluting the air we breathe.

North Denver community members, Lissa Leticia de Gonzales, Jose Molina and Lucy Molina, left to right, near the Suncor Refinery, which is heavily polluting their neighborhoods. (Carmel Zucker for Earthjustice)
feature July 3, 2025

Healthy Communities Program Report

The progress we have secured is a testament to the fact that the law and science are on our side. It also reflects the desire of most people across the country for a safer and cleaner world. Our shared wins represent decades of painstaking work, culminating in concrete measures that will save lives across the country. We’re celebrating our victories and the many opportunities ahead.

document July 2, 2025

NYISO Letter to Gov Agencies July 7 2025

(7/07/2025, Updated) New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) failure to prepare New York’s grid for a clean energy future inhibits climate progress, fails to prioritize affordability, and harms New Yorkers’ health and pocketbooks. This letter urges the critically evaluation of NYISO’s statements and history of inaction in the wake of the misleading NYISO Power Trends summary report and press release and to consider next steps to reduce these obstacles.

Emissions from a stack at the Mitchell Power Plant, a coal powered plant, in Moundsville, West Virginia. (Lauren Petracca for Earthjustice)
Press Release June 11, 2025

Trump’s EPA Abandons Its Duty to Protect Public from Power Plant Air Pollution

EPA seeks to end limits on mercury and arsenic and climate pollution, increasing harm to communities and reversing progress on climate action

Duke’s investment in new coal-fired electric generation is imprudent and that Duke should be required to mitigate the four million tons of carbon pollution that the new plant will emit.
(Chris Jordan-Bloch / Earthjustice)
video June 23, 2025

New Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s Email-to-Pollute Exemption

President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin say they care about clean air, water, and food — but their actions tell a different story.

The Kingston Fossil Plant is a 1.4-gigawatt coal-fired power plant located in Roane County, outside of Kingston, Tenn., on the shore of Watts Bar Lake. It is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Trump administration has exempted the plant from pollution limits set in the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. (Paul Harris / Getty Images)
Update June 12, 2025

Trump’s EPA Said Polluters Could Email Their Way Out of Clean Air Laws. We’re Sending It a Lawsuit.

Sixty-eight coal plants can now release more mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals known to damage children’s brain development, trigger asthma attacks, and cause cancer.

Clockwise from top left: Laura Beth Resnick of Butterbee Farm. (Alyssa Schukar for Earthjustice) Controlled burn during BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010. (Petty Officer First Class John Masson / U.S. Coast Guard) Subway train on the 7 line in Queens, New York City. (Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images) An oil-coated feather on a Florida beach in 2010, following the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. (Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley / U.S. Air Force)
feature June 27, 2025

Our Lawsuits Against the Trump Administration

We will defend the progress we have made and keep moving forward.

document June 12, 2025

Joint Letter Second Supplemental Recirculated Environmental Impact Report Kern County Zoning Ordinance

74 organizations respectfully submit this letter in reference to Kern County’s proposed “Revisions to Title 19-Kern County Zoning Ordinance (2025-A) Focused on Oil and Gas Local Permitting”

Press Release June 2, 2025

Falling through the Cracks: Lead Poisoning Prevention Must be a Priority for Syracuse

First independent and in-depth report examines enforcement gaps in Syracuse’s preventative lead ordinance

document June 12, 2025

Coal Plant Exemptions

Community and environmental groups represented by Earthjustice sued the Trump administration over its unlawful decision to exempt dozens of coal-fired power plants from stronger pollution limits set in the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, or MATS. The exemptions, issued in April, allow 68 coal power plants to release more mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals known to damage children’s brain development, trigger asthma attacks, and cause cancer.

document June 2, 2025

Falling Through the Cracks: How Enforcement Gaps Leave Syracuse Kids Still Exposed to Lead Paint Hazards Despite Implementation of the City Lead Ordinance

First independent and in-depth report examines enforcement gaps in Syracuse’s preventative lead ordinance.

page June 30, 2025

Travel, Lodging and Meals Expense Reimbursement Policy for Earthjustice Vendors and Contractors

Where Earthjustice agrees to pay or reimburse vendors, contractors or consultants for the reasonable cost of travel, these limitations define what costs will be paid or reimbursed.

The Cheswick Generating Station operated next door to homes in Springdale, Penn., for more than 50 years until it finally closed in 2022. (Chris Jordan-Bloch / Earthjustice)
video June 5, 2025

Two Attacks on Clean Air by the Trump Administration

Attacks on clean air don’t just threaten the environment — they harm our health.

The Cheswick coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania, reflected in a window of a home in Springdale, is among the hundreds of power plants likely covered by the Mercury & Air Toxics Standards.
(Chris Jordan-Bloch / Earthjustice)
feature April 25, 2024

The Mercury & Air Toxics Standards

When companies burn coal in the U.S., significant amounts of mercury spew into our air. Now, that mercury is controlled, thanks to a federal rule that Earthjustice and our clients fought for, defended, and successfully expanded.

document May 21, 2025

Updated Coal Leasing Reconciliation Coalition Opposition Letter

Letter to members of congress from groups opposing the coal leasing provisions in the reconciliation bill.

document May 21, 2025

Updated Border Wall Reconciliation Opposition Letter

Letter to members of Congress from groups opposing border wall funding in reconciliation bill.

document May 21, 2025

Gulf BiOp Reconciliation Letter

Letter to Members of Congress opposing the Biological Opinion on the Federally Regulated Oil and Gas Program Activities in the Gulf of Mexico Provision in the Reconciliation Bill.

document June 4, 2025

Request for Enforcement of Hazardous Materials Laws in U.S. Oil and Gas Fields

Letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) on behalf of Truckers Movement for Justice, Ohio Valley Allies, and other organizations to request that DOT enforce federal hazardous materials law for transportation of hazardous materials, particularly the transportation of oil and gas waste, and the FMSCA conduct a formal safety audit for all carriers operating in oilfields across the United States.