In early April, the White House signed a proclamation granting two years of relief from a previously-stringent environmental rule to certain coal-fired power plants, designed to safeguard the nation’s energy grid and security, and saving coal plants from closure.

The proclamation allows certain coal plants to comply with a less stringent version of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two years, instead of the more stringent version put in place by the previous administration.

The move is designed to ensure that these plants are not prematurely forced offline due to unattainable compliance requirements under the existing rule.

The White House explained that it recognizes that environmental advocate overreach jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security. “Coal is essential to our Nation’s grid, making up 16% of U.S. electricity generation,” said the White House press release.

Compliance with the previous administration’s standards required the application of emissions-control technologies that, for many coal plants, according to the White House, are not commercially viable.

The current compliance timeline of the previous administration’s rule could force widespread coal plant shutdowns, risking thousands of jobs and the stability of the electrical grid. “These shutdowns could lead to electricity shortages, increased reliance on foreign energy, and heightened vulnerability during crises,” said the White House. “This relief is necessary to maintain operational coal plants, protect energy security, and allow time for viable technology solutions, avoiding broader risks to America’s economy and defense readiness.”

The current White House states that is prioritizing a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support rather than undermine America’s economic strength and national security. It is also seeking to protect American industries, while maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.

The new proclamation is also pausing the expansion of windmills, noting that their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.

It is also supporting an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight. This approach, according to the White House, encourages industry to develop cost-effective solutions like improved emissions technologies rather than imposing unfeasible mandates that risk economic disruption.