September 15, 2026 - The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the repeal of major Biden-era greenhouse gas regulations on U.S. power plants Monday, a decision agency officials called the largest power-sector deregulatory action in federal history.

Announced at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, the final rule removes emissions caps on existing coal-fired power plants and new natural-gas units established in 2024 under the Biden administration’s Clean Power Plan 2.0. Concurrently, the EPA proposed rescinding all remaining greenhouse gas emission standards for the power sector. The agency says the rollback will deliver more than $310 billion in economic savings and spur coal production for power-sector use tenfold.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announces greenhouse gas rollbacks

Photo: Senator Kevin Cramer's office

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the prior rules exceeded agency authority by forcing plants to retire rather than setting achievable standards, arguing the move restores reliable, affordable baseload power.

North Dakota congressional leaders quickly praised the rollback, calling it a vital protection for the state’s lignite and natural gas industries.

“This is a huge win for anyone who cares about having power when they need it,” said Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.). “The Biden administration’s Clean Power Plan 2.0 was so disconnected from science and reality, it was dangerous. Prematurely closing power plants at a time when power demand is surging is irresponsible and reckless.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, attended the Houston announcement and said the decision shields both energy workers and consumers.

“The repeal ends the previous administrations’ assault on affordable, reliable energy and avoids the collateral damage it would have done to thousands of workers employed by North Dakota’s lignite industry,” Cramer said. “North Dakota produces the reliable energy America needs, and today’s action will make sure families and businesses have access to baseload electricity at an affordable price.”

“Repealing this overreaching rule is a win for U.S. energy dominance and will help American families have access to the affordable and reliable baseload power provided by coal,” said Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.). “The Supreme Court found that this regulation falls far outside of the legal authority provided to the EPA by Congress. That’s why we continually pushed back on this federal overreach, and we appreciate the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Zeldin for working with us to repeal this harmful rule.”

The EPA announced it will hold a public hearing on its newly proposed rollbacks 15 days after publication in the Federal Register, followed by a 45-day public comment window.