Feb 18 (Reuters) - The Trump administration plans to loosen restrictions on coal-burning power plants this week, allowing them to emit more hazardous pollutants including mercury, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
Senior U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials are expected to announce the move during a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, the paper said.
In loosening the limits on mercury, a powerful neurotoxin that can impair babies' brain development, the EPA is arguing it would
reduce "unwarranted costs" for utilities that own and operate coal plants across the country, the Times reported, citing internal agency documents.
The EPA estimates the change would save companies as much as $670 million between 2028 and 2037, according to the Times.
The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Donald Trump has promised to fast-track energy infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers.
He has declared an "energy emergency" to justify moves to keep open aging coal plants that had been set for closure and exempt these plants from key air regulations.
Washington has also removed tax incentives for wind and solar projects and slow-walked permits for renewable energy on federal land, as well as private and state lands.
(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Doina Chiacu and David Ljunggren)
