Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Mar. 31 that he is co-leading a coalition of 21 states and local governments in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. The coalition seeks to reverse the decision, which reverts to older standards for toxic air emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants.
The case addresses concerns about public health and environmental protection, particularly regarding mercury, arsenic, lead, acid gases, and other hazardous pollutants released by power plants. These substances are linked to serious health effects, especially among children and pregnant women.
“The Trump administration has made a significant step backwards, allowing more toxic air pollution that will harm our communities,” Raoul said. “Mercury and other types of pollution from fossil fuel power plants cause serious negative health effects, especially for children. I’m committed to fighting back against this administration’s attacks on crucial protections for our health and the environment.”
According to Raoul’s office, mercury is a potent neurotoxin with risks including developmental harms in children as well as increased chances of cardiovascular disease in adults. Emissions can travel long distances across state lines and contribute to contamination in waterways such as Lake Michigan in Illinois. This pollution impacts fishing economies as well as tribal nations relying on fishing for subsistence.
The Illinois Attorney General has worked broadly to protect vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants, seniors, according to its official website. The office also handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website, promotes safer communities, advocates for environmental issues, extends protection efforts statewide, partners with law enforcement to support crime victims, encourages open government, and offers services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights. according to its official website
Attorney General Raoul co-led the legal challenge with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison; additional participants include attorneys general from several states along with officials from Chicago, New York City, and Harris County in Texas.
Looking ahead, Raoul said he remains committed “to fighting back against this administration’s attacks on crucial protections for our health and the environment.” The outcome of this lawsuit could have broad implications for future regulation of hazardous emissions nationwide.
