The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has repealed federal carbon emissions limits for coal- and natural gas-fired power plants, removing requirements that would have pushed many facilities toward costly carbon capture technology.

EPA announced the move this week during the G20 energy ministers meeting in Houston, saying the previous standards created unnecessary barriers to new generation and imposed significant compliance costs. The agency estimates the repeal will save the power sector approximately $370 million in direct compliance costs.

Ohio manufacturers are already absorbing significant electricity costs, so federal rules that affect generation economics and compliance expenses matter directly to their competitiveness.

“Manufacturers should not be asked to absorb higher electricity costs because of federal rules that add expense without a clear benefit to reliability,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Businesses making long-term investments need rules that are clear, workable and unlikely to change every few years.”

The repeal is expected to face legal challenges, while utilities remain subject to other federal requirements and, in some states, separate emissions standards. 9/15/2026