Final rule removes the 2024 additional requirements for coal and oil power plants while reaffirming the original 2012 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). Keeping the original emissions standards for mercury and other pollutants may extend operations at some coal-fired plants while leaving room for continued private-sector mercury control solutions.
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On February 19, 2026 , the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized repeal of the Biden-era 2024 amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units, while continuing to enforce the original, industry-wide 2012 MATS rule. The agency framed the action as restoring regulatory certainty and promoting affordable, dependable energy for American families and businesses.
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The repeal eliminates several 2024 additions the current Administration has found to be unnecessary to ease utilities’ compliance burdens without compromising the public health protections already achieved under 2012 standards. This repeal follows President Trump's proclamation from 2025 that extended certain coal-fired power plants a two-year compliance relief from the Biden Administration's amendments to MATS. Many of the major power utilities included in the extension are Birchtech supply customers.
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Birchtech applauds the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure that America’s power grid remains reliable, affordable, and clean as the sector prepares for increased power demands.
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As a leader in providing innovative and more effective environmental technologies to ensure clean air, we look forward to the Administration’s continued support of the coal power sector – ensuring that coal plants continue operating affordably while maintaining very low levels of hazardous emissions. Since 2021, the EPA reports in this Final Ruling that mercury emissions from coal-fired units where 90% lower than pre-MATS levels. it is important to reinforce that this repeal will have no negative effects to Birchtech’s business or its role in reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. It is probable that this final ruling may further benefit Birchtech’s clean air business as we continue to provide proprietary services to coal plant operators.
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Birchtech’s emission-control solutions remain fully applicable under the continuing 2012 MATS framework; utilities seeking proven mercury reduction technologies can still rely on company systems to meet existing standards, improve plant performance, and support broader air quality goals.
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Learn more about the EPA MATS, including a Summary for the Final Rule

Full documents, including the final rule and Regulatory Impact Analysis, are available from the EPA docket (EPA‑HQ‑OAR‑2018‑0794) for those seeking further detail.