Summary

The Trump administration has granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a 2-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic, and benzene.

Among plants receiving exemptions is the Colstrip Generating Station, a massive power plant in Colstrip, Montana, that emits more toxic air pollutants such as lead and arsenic than any other U.S. facility of its kind, according to the EPA.

Environmentalists called the exemptions “a dereliction of duty by Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.” Critics say the plan “carve[s] a ragged hole through the heart of federal protections for the air we breathe.”

Environmental groups and public health advocates have denounced the administration’s plan to grant exemptions, which they say could allow hundreds of companies to evade laws meant to protect the environment and public health.

  • arrakark@lemmy.ca
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    3 days ago

    Goddamn. I still remember when I broke a mercury thermometer and my parents freaked out and cleaned harder than I’ve ever seen them clean. Now this metal is being freely released into the atmosphere in 70 locations? So what, a few select businessmen can get a few more Ferraris?

    • alvvayson@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      3 days ago

      MAGAts in Montana just love Mercury poisoning. They fully endorse Trump’s actions. So I think the goal is primarily to get them their Mercury fix.

      /s

    • IrateAnteater@sh.itjust.works
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      3 days ago

      I think it’s the lead they’re actually looking for. Aggressive and unintelligent people are more likely to vote for them be MAGA supporters (the voting part may already be a useless distinction).

    • Ooops@feddit.org
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      3 days ago

      You are looking at this from the wrong perspective…

      It’s “causing brain damage to get more voters”.

  • Sakychu@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    To make production even viable he simply turns the USA into a third world country. He is just the smartest, Maybe ever

    • GoobyMcMooby@lemm.ee
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      3 days ago

      Well you see, their kids will be fine in their temperature controlled, filtered air bunker/ocean habitable. The remaining people above ground? It’s just too bad so sad they didn’t have the monies.

  • Nemean_lion@lemmy.ca
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    3 days ago

    As a province that uses 98% renewable sources for power. How the fuck is anyone using coal still? Do they drive it there in horse drawn buggies and steam engines?

    Fuck anyone that makes coal power.

  • gedaliyah@lemmy.worldM
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    3 days ago

    Don’t worry, I’m sure all the microplastics in my brain will soak up the mercury…

  • HaunchesTV@feddit.uk
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    3 days ago

    It’s okay, just because they can release more pollutants doesn’t mean they will. They’ve ostensibly been operating fine under the Biden regulations, so surely they’ve no reason to change that. These companies feel a deep connection with their responsibilities to the future of humanity. Y’all just need to stop being so darn cynical.

  • gedaliyah@lemmy.worldM
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    3 days ago

    How soon before I see the savings on my electric bill? Oh wait, I only use renewables. My loss I guess.