Downing, Zinke Seek Permanent Colstrip Relief from Federal Emissions Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced legislation Tuesday aimed at rolling back Biden-era environmental regulations that threaten coal-fired power plants, including Montana’s Colstrip facility.

Downing introduced the Combating Overregulation and Limitation of Proven, Operable, Working Energy Resources (COAL POWER) Act with Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-01) as an original cosponsor. The bill would rescind the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule and revert to standards from the first Trump administration.

“For too long, unreasonable regulatory policy has threatened U.S. energy dominance,” said Congressman Downing. “President Trump recognized this and took swift action to rescind a Biden-era rule that places unfair constraints on American coal plants like the Colstrip plant in Rosebud County. My bill codifies this action and provides certainty for my constituents who depend on the affordable, reliable, and plentiful energy that Colstrip provides.”

The legislation builds upon President Trump’s April 8 executive proclamation that exempted Colstrip and other coal plants from the Biden-era rule until 2029. While the executive action provided temporary relief, the Montana delegation’s bill would make that protection permanent by codifying the exemption in federal law.

Beyond Montana’s two House representatives, five additional original cosponsors joined in introducing the measure: Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Rep. Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26), and Rep. David Taylor (OH-02).

Montana Senator Steve Daines also weighed in applauding the Trump administration’s efforts to provide regulatory relief to Colstrip. “The war on Made-in-Montana energy is coming to an end,” said Daines. “Rather than kow-tow to the demands of radical environmentalists, President Trump put Montana workers and families first. Montanans can go to bed tonight knowing their energy sources and jobs are secure. I’ll continue to fight with President Trump and his administration for Montana-first policies that will increase our energy dominance.”

The backing reflects concerns from coal-producing states about the economic impact of the strengthened environmental standards.

Background on MATS Controversy

The Biden administration finalized the strengthened Mercury and Air Toxics Standards on May 7, 2024, specifically targeting coal-fired power plants like Colstrip. The rule mandates compliance using emissions-control technologies that critics argue are not yet commercially viable.

As Western Montana News previously reported, Montana’s congressional delegation argued in March that the rule would force Colstrip to install a $500 million emissions control system combining fabric filters with existing wet scrubbers—an untested configuration with uncertain results. The EPA acknowledged in internal analysis that Colstrip alone would bear 42% of the rule’s compliance burden.

According to Downing’s office, the short compliance timeline and high implementation costs would force Colstrip to shut down, threatening jobs and energy security in southeastern Montana.

The original MATS rule was first implemented during the Obama administration to reduce mercury and other toxic air pollutants from power plants. The Biden administration’s 2024 revision tightened these standards further.

Local Impact

The Colstrip plant, located in Rosebud County, employs hundreds of workers and provides electricity to customers across the region. The facility has been a focal point in debates over energy policy and environmental regulation for years.

Plant operators have argued that the newer environmental standards would require costly upgrades that could make continued operation economically unfeasible. EPA findings have shown that Colstrip is among the highest total emitters of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants in the country.

Legislative Process

The COAL POWER Act would codify President Trump’s executive action and provide permanent regulatory relief by stating that the 2024 MATS rule “shall have no force or effect.”

The bill faces an uncertain path in Congress, where environmental regulations often become partisan flashpoints. Supporters argue the legislation is necessary to protect American energy independence and jobs in coal-producing communities.

Environmental groups have historically opposed efforts to weaken mercury standards, citing public health concerns from toxic emissions.