The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly considering a rollback of existing regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

Internal documents reveal the EPA’s plans, sparking concerns among environmental advocates and some lawmakers.

The current regulations, established under the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a primary contributor to climate change.

The proposed changes could significantly weaken the standards, potentially leading to increased emissions from coal-fired power plants and other sources.

The EPA’s rationale for the potential revisions centers on concerns about the affordability and reliability of energy, and the legal challenges the initial Clean Power Plan faced.

The Clean Power Plan was never fully implemented due to legal challenges, including a Supreme Court stay.

Critics argue that weakening the regulations would exacerbate climate change and its associated risks, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Proponents of the changes contend that they could lower energy costs and make the U.S. energy market more competitive.

The EPA is expected to release its formal proposal on the revised regulations soon, opening a public comment period for stakeholders and the general public to provide input.

The proposal is likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups if it is finalized.