Final Revocation of the 2020 Reconsideration, and Affirmation of the Appropriate and Necessary Supplemental Finding
EPA has reaffirmed that it remains appropriate and necessary to regulate hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including mercury, from power plants after considering cost. This action revokes a 2020 finding that it was not appropriate and necessary to regulate coal- and oil-fired power plants under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 112, which covers toxic air pollutants. EPA reviewed the 2020 finding and considered updated information on both the public health burden associated with HAP emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants as well as the costs associated with reducing those emissions under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). After weighing the public risks posed by these emissions to all Americans and to particularly exposed and sensitive populations against the costs of reducing this harmful pollution, EPA concludes that it remains appropriate and necessary to regulate these emissions. This action ensures that coal- and oil-fired power plants continue to control emissions of hazardous air pollution and that the agency properly interprets the CAA to protect the public from hazardous air emissions.