EPA Backpedals on Carbon Rules for Coal and Gas Power Plants
Published Date: 9/17/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Existing Steam EGU Guidelines Repealed
If you own or operate an existing fossil fuel-fired steam electric generating unit (EGU), the EPA has repealed the 2024 emission guidelines that would have required state plans for these sources. The repeal is final on November 16, 2026, and the EPA concluded that 90% carbon capture and 40% natural-gas co-firing are not adequately demonstrated or achievable (noting the original compliance dates of January 1, 2032 and January 1, 2030, respectively).
Power Sector Compliance Cost Savings
The EPA estimates present-value compliance cost savings for the power sector of $160 billion (3% discount rate) or $95 billion (7% discount rate) over the 2026–2047 period (all dollars in 2024$ discounted to 2025). The Agency also reports present-value real resource cost savings of $280 billion (3%) or $180 billion (7%) over the same period.
CCS Rules for Modified Coal Units Removed
If you own or operate a coal-fired steam generating unit that would undergo a large modification, the EPA has repealed the 90 percent carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)-based standards for such large modifications. The repeal is final on November 16, 2026, and the EPA concluded that 90 percent CCS has not been adequately demonstrated and that required infrastructure is not available to meet the prior compliance schedules.
Phase 2 CCS for New Base-Load Turbines Repealed
If you plan to build a new base load stationary combustion turbine EGU, the EPA has repealed the 2024 Phase 2 CCS-based standards of performance for those new units. The repeal is final on November 16, 2026, and the Agency concluded that 90 percent CCS for new base load turbines has not been adequately demonstrated and is not achievable by the January 1, 2032 compliance date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-22082, Additional Reconsideration Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review
The EPA is updating rules for oil and natural gas companies to fix issues from last year’s changes. They’re scrapping the Super Emitter Program, splitting well sites into clearer groups, and tweaking rules on leaks, equipment, and inspections. Companies should get ready to comment by December 16, 2026, as these updates could affect how they manage emissions and operate equipment.
2026-21155, Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Reallocation of Additional 2025 Small Refinery Exemptions
The EPA is updating how it handles small refinery exemptions (SREs) for 2025 under the Renewable Fuel Standard. They’re deciding whether to spread the extra exemptions between 2026 and 2027 or give them all to 2027. This change might also push back the 2026 compliance deadline, affecting refiners and renewable fuel producers with potential timing and cost impacts.
2026-20849, Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans: Compliance Date Delay and Changes To Reflect Administration Policy
The EPA is giving facilities more time to meet new Clean Water Act rules for handling hazardous spills, pushing back the deadline to help them get ready. They’re also removing mentions of climate change and environmental justice to match new government policies. This delay helps facilities plan better without rushing and lets the EPA rethink the rules if needed.
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19065, Revocation of Obsolete Rules Regarding Infant Bouncer Seats and Stationary Activity Centers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission tried to remove old rules about infant bouncer seats and stationary activity centers because newer safety standards cover them. But after getting strong negative feedback, they decided to pause and rethink the plan. This affects manufacturers and sellers, with no immediate cost changes or deadlines yet.
Next: 2026-19074, Medical Devices; Exemption From Premarket Notification: Radiology Computer-Aided Detection and/or Diagnosis Devices and Computer-Aided Triage and Notification Devices
The FDA has decided NOT to exempt certain radiology computer software devices from premarket review, meaning these devices still need FDA approval before hitting the market. This affects companies making cancer detection and medical image analysis software, keeping safety checks in place. The rule takes effect on September 17, 2026, so businesses should plan accordingly to avoid delays or extra costs.