Consortium Statement on EPA’s Proposed Repealing of Climate Rules

June 11, 2025

Today, June 11, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposed repeal of two Biden-era regulations to address mercury air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that are major drivers of climate change.

Below is a statement from Lisa Patel, MD, executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health. The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health brings together medical societies to protect all people from the devastating health impacts of climate change and climate-related pollutants. The Consortium represents over half of physicians across the U.S.

“The Power Plant Pollution Standards and Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) were put in place to protect our children, families and neighbors from toxins that we know poison our water and lead to asthma, heart disease, and even developmental delays. On top of this, these standards decreased the emissions that cause climate change. Repealing these standards is yet another way that the United States government prioritizes polluting energy sources over the health, will and future of its people.

“This decision is yet another in a series of attacks on our health, our children, our climate, and the basic idea of clean air and water. As a pediatrician, it’s unconscionable to think that our country would move backwards on something as common sense as protecting children from mercury and our planet from worsening hurricanes, wildfires, floods and poor air quality driven by climate change.

“This decision harms everyone, but people living closest to fossil fuel power plants will feel it the most. No one wants to live near these plants, and that’s why people with the fewest resources and least influence in government, often people of color, are the ones who live closest to it. They will bear the health consequences of this policy failure. Mercury pollution will cause neurological delays and disabilities in children and stresses heart and lungs and can even lead to early death, especially for babies and older adults. Repealing these protections hurts our patients, puts a strain on health care systems, and leads to lost work days.

“Doctors, nurses and health professionals across the country work hard every day to support the health and dignity of every person in this country. But we cannot do our job to the fullest when the federal government fails to protect our people.”

The views expressed here are of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and not necessarily of its medical society members.