Downing Praises Inclusion of Colstrip Plant in EPA MATS Exemption List
Washington D.C.–Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following the inclusion of Colstrip Steam Electric Station Units 3 and 4 in a list of stationary sources exempt from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule. This follows President Trump’s Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy Proclamation.
“Overreaching regulation is the greatest hurdle to increasing access to affordable, reliable energy,” said Congressman Downing. “I applaud the Administration’s decision to add Colstrip to its list of MATS exemptions, a move that will provide clarity and certainty for operations going forward. Unleashing American energy promises to lower costs, protect American jobs, and bolster U.S. national security. I look forward to seeing continued regulatory relief for America's energy producers.”
Background:
On May 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule 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, which amended the preexisting Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule.
The rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and on the viability of our nation’s coal sector.
On March 31, Congressman Downing, alongside the Montana Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to request a two-year Presidential Exemption for Colstrip from the MATS rule.
On April 8, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation detailing that certain stationary sources subject to the rule are exempt from compliance with the rule for a period of 2 years beyond the rule’s compliance date.
On April 14, 2025, Colstrip was officially added to a list of exempt stationary sources.
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