Downing Introduces COAL POWER Act
Bill would rescind the Biden-Era MATS rule, providing regulatory relief for Colstrip and other coal plants
Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the Combating Overregulation and Limitation of Proven, Operable, Working Energy Resources (COAL POWER) Act. This bill builds upon President Trump’s efforts to provide regulatory relief for America’s energy producers by rolling back the 2024 Biden-era Mercury, Air Toxins Standards (MATS) rule to the standard under the first Trump Administration and states that the 2024 rule shall have no force or effect.
“For too long, overly burdensome regulatory policy has threatened U.S. energy dominance,” said Congressman Downing. “President Trump recognized this and took swift action to rescind a Biden-era rule that places unfair constraints on American coal plants like the Colstrip plant in Rosebud County. My bill codifies this action and provides certainty for my constituents who depend on the economic output and affordable, reliable energy that Colstrip provides.”
Read text of the COAL POWER Act here.
Original cosponsors of the COAL POWER Act include:
Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Rep. Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26), and Rep. David Taylor (OH-02).
Background:
On May 7, 2024, the Biden EPA finalized a rule strengthening the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS).
The rule specifically targets coal-fired power plants like Colstrip.
It mandates compliance using emissions-control technologies that are not yet commercially viable.
The short compliance timeline and high implementation costs would force Colstrip to shut down.
On April 8, President Trump issued an Executive Proclamation exempting Colstrip and other coal plants from the rule until 2029.
The COAL POWER Act codifies and expands upon the President’s Executive Proclamation by rolling back the 2024 Mercury, Air Toxins Standards (MATS) rule to the standard under the first Trump Administration and states that the 2024 rule shall have no force or effect.
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