New York: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly preparing a controversial proposal to eliminate all federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas-fired power plants, according to an internal draft obtained by The New York Times. The report, published Saturday, cites internal agency documents that reveal a dramatic policy reversal on climate regulation.
In its draft regulation, the EPA argues that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from fossil fuel-powered plants “do not contribute significantly to dangerous pollution” or to climate change. The agency justifies this position by claiming these emissions are a “small and declining share of global emissions,” The New York Times reported.
The EPA further contends that even a complete elimination of such emissions would have “no meaningful effect on public health and welfare,” according to the documents reviewed by the newspaper.
These assertions run counter to overwhelming scientific consensus and international assessments. According to the United Nations, fossil fuels remain the largest drivers of global warming, responsible for more than 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of global carbon dioxide output.
The EPA has not yet publicly commented on the reported draft. Reuters, which also attempted to confirm the NYT report, stated that it had not independently verified the draft’s contents and had not received a response from the EPA at the time of publication.
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The proposal aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle climate-related initiatives. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has swiftly moved to curtail federal spending on climate action and eliminate regulations targeting greenhouse gas emissions—measures that had been implemented during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Just this week, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced Trump’s expansive tax and spending package. The legislation threatens to end numerous clean energy subsidies that have underpinned the growth of America’s renewable energy sector. Branded by Trump as “one big beautiful bill,” the budget plan seeks to repeal funding granted under the Inflation Reduction Act and eliminate programs aimed at reducing air pollution, cutting emissions, or supporting electric vehicle adoption.
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The New York Times report also notes that the EPA submitted the draft proposal to the White House for review on May 2. The document may undergo revisions before being officially published for public comment, a process expected to begin in June.
If finalized in its current form, the draft regulation would mark one of the most aggressive environmental policy rollbacks in recent U.S. history—raising major concerns among climate scientists, public health experts, and international partners.
