The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday the final repeal of most greenhouse gas emissions requirements for coal and natural gas power plants that were issued under the previous administration. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made the announcement during a G20 energy ministerial meeting in Houston, Texas.

The action strikes down the majority of the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards, which the agency determined exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act by mandating control technologies that were not adequately demonstrated. Officials said the rules effectively forced plant retirements rather than setting achievable standards.

The repeal is projected to deliver more than $310 billion in savings. EPA officials described the move as restoring reliable and affordable baseload power while ending what they called a years-long war on American energy resources.

In a related step, the agency proposed rescinding all remaining greenhouse gas standards for the power sector. If finalized, the proposal would save an additional $370 million in direct compliance costs and block future administrations from regulating power plant emissions on climate grounds under the Clean Air Act.

EPA statements emphasized that the prior regulations imposed unnecessary burdens on the power sector without meaningful environmental benefits. The changes allow utilities greater flexibility to meet demand based on cost and reliability rather than regulatory mandates.

The final rule takes effect soon after publication in the Federal Register and is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups. The supplemental proposal is slated for further review next year.