Coal-fired power plants reversed a yearslong decline in mercury emissions, releasing 4,800 pounds of the toxic metal in 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year. This reversal comes despite mercury being a potent neurotoxin that impairs brain development and accumulates in the food chain. The uptick directly follows policy shifts favoring coal-fired generation over cleaner alternatives.

The Trump administration has moved to block stricter emissions controls set to take effect by 2027, while ordering power plants to remain open beyond scheduled retirement dates. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended these rollbacks during contentious congressional hearings, arguing tougher limits would have regulated the coal sector "out of existence." The administration estimates these policy changes will save the industry $120 million annually in compliance costs.

Electric utilities shifted toward coal partly due to volatile natural gas prices and rising demand from data centers. Lignite plants—dirtier coal sources that account for less than 5% of coal-generated power—continue to emit over 20% of total mercury pollution. The policy shift represents a clear victory for coal producers facing economic pressures from cleaner energy alternatives, with immediate health consequences from increased neurotoxin exposure.