Trump admin moves to roll back Biden-era rule hampering electricity grid

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its intent to update a Biden-era regulation to ease burdens on power plants and strengthen the waning electricity grid on Monday.

Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that his agency intends to amend the strict 2024 wastewater rule for steam electric power generating units by proposing to push back the zero-discharge requirement deadlines on power plants, in line with President Donald Trump’s order to “unleash American energy.” The action is the latest in the EPA’s deregulatory spree, which has targeted several Biden-era rules that imposed stringent burdens on power plants.

“Domestic energy production has never been more important than it is now. As our electric grid faces unprecedented load growth, EPA remains committed to promoting reliable, affordable, and domestically-sourced resources — including beautiful, clean coal — to support American manufacturing, job creation, and economic and energy independence,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We know there are serious concerns about the compliance timelines, and we must consider more realistic options that may prevent the burdensome costs required by the current regulation from hurting American families.”

“The EPA proposed axing or reforming major Biden-era rules on power plants on Wednesday…” Read more for my latest @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/AoTdkO8QS1

— Audrey Streb (@AudreyLStreb) June 11, 2025

The 2024 Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs) for Steam Electric Power Generating Units place stringent regulations on power plants when it comes to wastewater. Steam electric plants burn fossil fuels like coal or oil to heat water, which generates steam and wastewater that can contain harmful chemicals, and the EPA has determined what levels of these chemicals are safe. Zeldin announced that his agency seeks to amend the most recent rule following a review that flagged it as an undue strain on energy resources.

Deputy EPA Administrator David Fotouhi previously told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the regulations “would have increased the cost of operating power plants by over $1 billion a year, which would have led directly to higher energy bills for consumers and a less stable grid.”

The 2024 rule has been challenged in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the agency has received two requests for reconsideration from electric utility trade associations, according to the EPA.

In the name of combating climate change, former President Joe Biden’s administration moved to enforce several stringent regulations that are linked to soaring utility costs and a strained electricity grid, according to energy sector experts.

The EPA moved to roll back other stringent Biden and Obama-era power plant rules on June 11, though the rules are currently open to public review.

On his first day back in the Oval Office, Trump declared a national energy emergency, calling for all agencies to aid in allowing for a “reliable, diversified, and affordable supply of energy.”

All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!