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Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)

  • Protecting our children and communities by limiting emissions of mercury and other air toxics from power plants.
     

Please Note

EPA is no longer updating the content on this page and links may not function; however, the materials on this page may be useful as background to supplement current information or to provide an historical perspective. 

Current information is available at:  https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/mercury-and-air-toxics-standards  

Cleaner Power Plants
  • Power plants are the biggest source of mercury

    Power plants are currently the dominant emitters of mercury, acid gases and many toxic metals in the U.S. Read more

  • Existing technology can remove toxics

    Controls to meet limits are widely available. Learn more

  • Plants have time to meet the standards

    It is several years before plants need to comply. Learn more

Healthier Americans
  • Rule will improve public health

    Benefits total $37 billion to $90 billion each year. Read more

  • MATS reduces toxic pollution

    Toxics from fossil fuel-fired power plants cause serious health impacts. Learn more

  • Power plant pollution and health effects

    Methylmercury exposure is a particular concern for women of childbearing age, unborn babies, and young children. Learn more.

Safer Environment
  • Healthier lakes, streams and fish

    Power plant emissions damage our environment and pollute our nation's lakes and streams. Read more

  • Less mercury contamination

    Mercury contamination affects populations of numerous fish species, waterfowl and mammals that eat fish. Learn more

  • Improved visibility

    Pollution from power plants degrades visibility where we live, work and travel. Learn more.

Jerome Bettis talks about asthma and the effects of air pollution.

 

Vídeo en español 

Public service announcement about the EPA's Mercury
and Air Toxics Standards

Vídeo en español 

Related Information
  • Regulatory Actions
  • Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)
  • Affordable Clean Energy Rule
  • Acid Rain Program
  • Mercury In Your Environment

Recent Actions

July 17, 2020 - EPA finalized minor revisions to the electronic reporting requirements for MATS.

May 22, 2020 - EPA published a final revised Supplemental Cost Finding for MATS and the Clean Air Act required “risk and technology review.”

April 15, 2020 - EPA published a MATS subcategory for certain existing units that fire coal refuse.

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 20, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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