The EPA recently released new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) that would apply to coal-fired power plants such as the Colstrip plant. This rule is among several updated rules aimed at controlling pollution from coal plants, with MATS being particularly impactful in Montana, but we’ll need your help to help protect it!
Montana’s largest source of toxic air pollutants is the coal-fired power plant in Colstrip. Colstrip Unit 4 releases the highest rate of filterable particulate emissions (harmful pollutants) into the air compared to any other coal-fired unit in the country. Colstrip Unit 3 also releases a significant amount of filterable particulate emissions, ranking third highest emission rate in the nation. These emissions include arsenic and lead, which are dangerous to humans at any level of exposure.
Unlike similar coal-burning units, Colstrip Units 3 and 4 lack specific controls to limit these toxic emissions. The updated MATS rule will ensure that all coal-fired power plants are within regulated pollution control levels “currently achieved by the vast majority of regulated units.”
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Sign a petition:
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Learn More
Learn more about MATS in our webinar recording here.
Find a fact sheet about MATS here.
Read some op-eds and letters to the editor about MATS:
- Updating the Colstrip plant’s pollution controls will save lives, Dr. Carol Greiman, Dr. Robert Merchant, Dr. Lisa Fleischer, and Dr. David Lehnherr. Billings Gazette. 3/26/2024
- Protect Montana children from heat, air pollution and wildfire smoke, Lynne Foss, PNP, and Lori Byron, MD, Montana Chapter, Academy of Pediatrics Climate Committee. Laurel Outlook. 4/1/2024.
- Prioritize measures to mitigate effects of air pollution, Marjorie Albers, MD. Billings Gazette. 4/28/2024 .
- Michelle Uberuaga: Updated air pollution regulations are a win for Montana families, Michelle Uberuaga. Billings Gazette. 5/8/2024.
- Letter to the editor: Curbing pollutants offers lifeline to children, planet, Colette Kirchhoff, MD, FAAFP. Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 5/17/2024.
- Letter to the editor: Prioritize health over industrial interests, Tom James, family physician. Billings Gazette. 7/7/2024.
