Model Christie Brinkley criticizes President Trump's easing of mercury emission standards from coal plants, warning of severe health impacts including brain damage in babies and organ failure in adults. Brinkley, vocal about environmental protection, states the rollback prioritizes utility costs over public health, citing Trump's own quote about 'destroying the country.' She claims the move stems from greed and threatens future generations.

Environmental groups echo these concerns, predicting increased health-related costs due to mercury exposure, a known neurotoxin. The EPA's move, effective February 20, 2026, aims to reduce costs for older coal plants but faces backlash from public health advocates and celebrities like Brinkley, who argue it endangers vulnerable populations.