ACTION ALERT: Reduce Toxic Emissions from the Colstrip Coal Plant
(Information thanks to the Montana Environmental Information Center)
When it comes to raising a family, clean air is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet, for too long, the people of Montana and surrounding communities have been forced to breathe in some of the most toxic air in the country, thanks to emissions from the Colstrip coal plant.
Now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering rolling back critical protections that would reduce toxic air pollution from coal plants like Colstrip—unless we speak up.
Why Families Should Be Concerned About Colstrip
The Colstrip power plant isn’t just another coal plant—it’s the dirtiest in the nation. Specifically, Unit 4 at Colstrip releases more lead, arsenic, and other dangerous heavy metals than any other coal unit in the U.S.—and 50% more than the next worst polluter. Unit 3 isn’t far behind, ranking third in the country for toxic emissions.
Between 2012 and 2022 alone, Colstrip spewed out:
3.3 tons of lead
1.45 tons of arsenic
2.1 tons of chromium
14 tons of manganese
2 tons of nickel
6 tons of selenium
Each of these pollutants is a known threat to human health—especially to children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
What These Toxins Do to Our Bodies
Lead: Harms nearly every organ in the human body and is especially dangerous to children's developing brains.
Arsenic: A known carcinogen, also linked to developmental issues, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Chromium: Causes respiratory issues and flu-like symptoms.
Manganese: Long-term exposure can lead to a Parkinson’s-like illness.
Nickel: Linked to lung and nasal cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Selenium: Chronic exposure can lead to hair and nail loss, skin rashes, and neurological damage.
It’s not just about numbers—it’s about kids who develop asthma, parents with worsening heart conditions, and grandparents vulnerable to cancer. These pollutants don’t stay at the smokestack—they end up in our air, our soil, and our bodies.
The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Matter
The EPA’s 2024 MATS rule was a step in the right direction. It required plants like Colstrip to meet pollution levels already achieved by most other coal plants. That means:
Cutting toxic emissions by nearly 50%
Reducing exposure to mercury and particulate matter
Bringing in $300 million in health benefits
Saving Montanans between $500 million and $1.17 billion over 30 years by phasing out coal
But now, those standards are under threat. The Trump administration granted Colstrip an exemption, and now the EPA is considering eliminating the protections entirely.
We Need to Defend Our Families’ Right to Clean Air
We cannot afford to let Colstrip keep polluting at these extreme levels while other communities across the country benefit from modern pollution controls. Families in Montana and tribal communities deserve the same level of protection.
You have a chance to help:
✅ Speak at the Virtual Hearing – Thursday, July 10
EPA will host a virtual hearing starting at 11am ET (9am MT).
🕓 Registration closes June 29
👉 Register here: EPA Hearing Registration
✅ Submit a Comment by August 11, 2025
If you can’t attend the hearing, you can still make your voice heard.
👉 Submit a comment: Submit Public Comment
📂 Reference Docket ID: EPA–HQ–OAR–2018–0794
Your Voice Matters
This is not just a fight for cleaner air—it’s a fight for our families, our children, and our communities. We all deserve to live without fear that the air we breathe will make us sick. Let’s stand together and demand that Colstrip finally meet the same standards as every other plant in the country.