By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
1. Electricity generated from coal is a cornerstone for maintaining the reliability of our national power grid and ensuring affordable energy for all Americans. Moreover, it plays a key role in bolstering our energy independence. The Federal Government has a critical responsibility in ensuring that our power supply is both secure and reliable. Imposing impractical emissions regulations on energy producers puts this mission at significant risk.
2. On May 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule under section 112 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412), titled National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 38508 (hereafter referred to as the Rule). This rule modifies the existing Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) to create stricter requirements. The effective date of this Rule is set for July 8, 2024, with a compliance date three years later, on July 8, 2027.
3. The Rule significantly burdens coal-fired power plants and indirectly threatens the viability of our coal industry. Notably, it mandates compliance with emissions-control technologies that are not yet commercially viable. The timeline for compliance raises the alarming prospect of numerous coal plants shutting down, leading to substantial job losses, jeopardizing our electrical grid, and creating broader economic and energy security risks. This situation could leave America vulnerable to electricity shortages, increased reliance on foreign energy, and potential disruptions to our energy supply during critical times.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority granted to me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), hereby declare that certain stationary sources affected by the Rule, as detailed in Annex I of this proclamation, will be exempt from compliance for an additional two years beyond the Rule’s compliance date — specifically, from July 8, 2027, to July 8, 2029 (hereafter referred to as the Exemption). During this exemption period, these facilities will adhere to the compliance responsibilities they currently face under the MATS as it existed prior to the enactment of the Rule. In support of this Exemption, I hereby make the following determinations:
a. The technology required to implement the Rule is not available at this time. The necessary technology does not exist in a commercially viable form to facilitate compliance by the stipulated deadline of July 8, 2027.
b. Issuing this Exemption aligns with the national security interests of the United States, as outlined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of this proclamation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
ANNEX I
Affected Facility/Source: Cardinal Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3, Ohio
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Affected Facility/Source: Craig Generating Station Unit 2 and Unit 3, Colorado
City Water, Light and Power
Affected Facility/Source: Dallman Unit 4, Illinois
Cardinal Operating Company
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This restructured proclamation maintains the original meaning while offering clearer explanations of the implications and potential consequences of the regulations. The wording has been adapted to enhance readability and engagement, making it suitable for a broader audience while preserving the formal structure necessary for a governmental document.
