Trump repeals mercury emission standards as AI data centers demand more power

The Trump administration repealed Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for power plants just as US electricity demand rises from AI data center buildout. The standards were particularly impactful for coal plants responsible for roughly half of US mercury emissions, a neurotoxin linked to birth defects and learning disabilities. The deregulation aims to make it easier to quickly construct new data centers and fossil fuel infrastructure to power them, including coal plants. Critics say the administration is "wiping out health protections critical for protecting children" to save the coal industry money.

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