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

The Trump administration has repealed the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which were put in place to regulate mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. This move comes as the demand for electricity is increasing due to the growth of AI data centers in the United States. The MATS regulations were particularly important for addressing pollution from coal-fired power plants, which are responsible for around half of mercury emissions in the US. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can lead to birth defects, learning disabilities, and other health issues. The article suggests that the Trump administration's deregulation efforts aim to make it easier to quickly construct new power plants, including coal-fired ones, without the need to comply with strict environmental standards. This decision could potentially lead to increased levels of toxic emissions, posing a threat to public health and the environment.