Trump is making coal plants even dirtier as AI demands more energy

The Trump administration has repealed the Biden-strengthened Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), rolling back restrictions on mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants to 2012 levels. This deregulation, intended to save the coal industry money, coincides with a significant increase in US electricity demand driven by the expansion of AI data centers, domestic manufacturing, and electric vehicles. Mercury is a known neurotoxin linked to birth defects and learning disabilities. Environmental advocates criticize the move as prioritizing the coal industry over public health. Furthermore, the administration is encouraging the continued operation of coal plants slated for retirement, and tech companies scaling up energy-intensive AI infrastructure are also extending the lifespans of aging coal facilities, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority's decision to keep two plants open due to data center demand.

(Source：The Verge)