Maryland Attorney General Joins Coalition Opposing Rollback of Hazardous Air Pollutant Standards

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is part of a coalition of 17 state attorneys general, along with the cities of Chicago and New York City, and the California Air Resources Board, in opposing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to repeal current standards limiting dangerous emissions from power plants. The proposed rollback would reinstate less stringent, outdated regulations from 2012, which critics argue poses significant risks to public health and the environment.

The standards in question, known as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule, were updated in 2024 to reflect advancements in pollution control technology. These regulations specifically target toxic air pollutants released by coal- and oil-fired power plants, including mercury, other toxic metals, hydrogen chloride, and formaldehyde. The EPA’s current proposal aims to dismantle these updated standards and revert to the older, less protective ones.

Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, is a primary concern of the coalition. Exposure to mercury, particularly for pregnant individuals and children, can lead to severe and lifelong developmental and neurological issues. These can include impaired cognitive development, seizures, vision and hearing loss, and delayed development. For adults, mercury exposure is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

Furthermore, mercury emitted from power plants is a major contributor to mercury contamination in U.S. waterways. This pollution negatively impacts local economies that rely on commercial and recreational fishing. It also poses a threat to tribal nations and indigenous peoples who depend on fishing for their subsistence and cultural practices.

The coalition also contends that the EPA’s proposed repeal is legally flawed. They argue that the agency has not provided a sufficiently reasoned basis for its decision to revert to outdated standards. Moreover, the EPA is accused of failing to adequately consider technological advancements and changes in pollution control practices when formulating this proposal. The attorneys general assert that repealing the existing standards in this manner would violate the Administrative Procedure Act.

In addition to Attorney General Brown, the coalition includes the attorneys general from Illinois, Minnesota, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office

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