The EPA has released a proposed rule that would revise guidelines on wastewater limits on coal-fired power plants that the agency projects will save billions of dollars without compromising environmental resources. 

The EPA and agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said in announcing the proposed rule Thursday that it would reduce electricity costs by as much as $1.1 billion annually and that increased electricity demand from data centers cannot be met with the "overly restrictive" policies of past administrations. 

"The Trump EPA will continue doing its part to address these burdensome regulations on the coal-fired power plant sector that hold American communities back from the new opportunities presented by this new 21st century energy reality," Zeldin said. 

The Biden EPA’s 2024 Effluent Limitations Standards and Guidelines (ELGs) for steam electric power plants have jeopardized many affordable and reliable baseload power plants, according to the EPA. The proposed rule would rescind one-size-fits-all limits and provide permitting authorities more flexibility.