Montana Energy Firms Urge Supreme Court to Block EPA’s Mercury, Air Toxics Regulations

Talen Montana and NorthWestern Energy said the new standards impose enormous costs and could result in the Colstrip power plant prematurely retiring.

The Marshall Steam Station coal power plant operates near Mooresville, N.C., on March 3, 2024. Chris Carlson/AP Photo

Two energy companies in Montana want the Supreme Court to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from enforcing new mercury emissions and toxic metals standards, citing concerns over what they say is the high-cost burden associated with the rules.

Utility providers Talen Montana and NorthWestern Energy asked for an emergency stay of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants in a court filing on Aug. 22.