Trump Hands Out Free Pass for Big Coal, Americans Pay the Price

Washington, D.C. - Trump's Administration exempted68 coal-fired power plants from lifesaving safeguards that curb emissions of mercury and air toxics and protect Americans from the deadly health effects of coal pollution. The list of plants exempted includes nine of the nation's worst offenders for mercury emissions.

The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards are expected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths, 4,700 heart attacks, and 13,000 asthma attacks if all coal plants are in compliance. Last month, the Trump Administration invited coal companies to email the administration for an exemption from these standards.

In response, the Sierra Club Chief Program Officer Holly Bender issued the following statement:

"By exempting the dirtiest power plants out there, Trump has robbed millions of Americans of a healthy future. This is a direct attack on the health of our communities and our loved ones. This move is a blatant disregard for public health as we turn an eye toward the worst types of air pollution that poisons our air and water with chemicals that cause more asthma attacks, more heart attacks, and more premature deaths.

"It is utterly unacceptable that coal plant owners would endanger the lives of millions of Americans when there is abundant and affordable technology available to limit emissions of these deadly chemicals. The coal plants that were exempted can still limit emissions and do right by the communities they serve, and we will hold every coal plant operator that chooses to instead increase pollution of mercury, arsenic, and other toxic emissions accountable for choosing to make Americans sicker."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.