EPA Proposes Ending Federal Greenhouse Gas Standards for Power Plants: What It Means and How to Participate
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule repealing most of the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants. Alongside it, EPA issued a supplemental proposal that would eliminate most greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for power plants and conclude that the agency lacks the authority to regulate these emissions under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act.
Why it matters
Power plants account for roughly a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. For organizations across every sector, the carbon intensity of the grid shapes Scope 2 emissions, reduces transparency for investors and customers, and slows progress toward reduction targets. Changes to federal standards can affect goal setting, reporting, and decarbonization strategies for years.
How to participate
EPA is accepting public input on the supplemental proposal. Written comments can be submitted through Regulations.gov under Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124 until November 2, 2026.
Comments that speak to direct experience are especially valuable, such as how your organization uses GHG emissions data, what consistency and certainty mean for your planning, and what your investors, customers, and other stakeholders expect.
The TCR policy team will share an analysis following the public hearing in the next Member Update.
Not yet a member? Learn how TCR supports organizations like yours.
TCR’s commitment
Whatever happens at the federal level, credible, transparent GHG emissions data remains essential to tracking decarbonization progress. The Climate Registry will continue supporting organizations as they calculate, verify, and report their emissions.