Nearly 2 million people now live near a facility with a “presidential exemption” to pollute more. This map tells you if you’re one of them.
On July 17, President Trump signed a series of proclamations aimed at allowing nearly 100 polluting industrial facilities to bypass U.S. clean air laws.
Since March, when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin invited polluters to apply for “presidential exemptions” via email, President Trump has given more than 160 facilities emitting dangerous pollution across 40 states — from coal-fired power plants to chemical makers — permission to dodge existing clean air rules.
Environmental and community advocates warn that this unprecedented free pass for polluters isn’t necessary for national security, as the administration contends, and puts people’s lives at risk.
“President Trump’s callous and dangerous actions let some of the country’s worst industrial polluters evade compliance with the safeguards that protect Americans from toxic air pollution,” says Environmental Defense Fund’s General Counsel Vickie Patton, adding, “We will vigorously oppose these indefensible and deeply damaging actions.”
Several exempted facilities emit brain-damaging mercury
Coal plants are the largest source of toxic mercury pollution in the U.S. Mercury can cause lifelong brain damage in children, cardiovascular issues in adults and weaken the immune system.
There are now 71 coal-fired power plants in the U.S. with presidential exemptions, delaying their compliance with a 2024 rule limiting mercury, arsenic and other toxic emissions. The Trump administration has also proposed rolling back this clean air safeguard altogether.
Already, EDF and 11 other environmental and community groups have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, calling the use of a presidential exemption to postpone compliance with the standards an “illegal scheme.”
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Is there a polluter near you?
After learning about the exemptions, Laurie Anderson of Broomfield, Colorado, used this map from EDF and its allies to find out where the polluting facilities are located.
Anderson, a mom of five, knows what it’s like to have a toxic neighbor. After moving into her Colorado home, an oil and gas operation opened nearby, despite objections from the community. The resulting pollution is why she became active with the advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force.
The interactive map shows the location of more than 500 facilities across the country that could apply by email for a presidential exemption to pollute more. Anderson found two facilities in Colorado that have been granted exemptions: a medical equipment sterilizer facility emitting cancer-causing ethylene oxide and a coal-fired power plant. By clicking a link on the map itself, she quickly wrote a letter to the EPA expressing her concern.
“I want everyone to know that this map exists,” says Anderson. “With a few clicks, you can find out what’s near you and contact the EPA. The map guides you through the whole process. Don’t allow this administration to let polluters off the hook.”
What you can do:
- Check the map: Type in an address here to see what’s near your home, your kid’s school or your workplace.
- Look at the details: Each facility listing shows which chemicals are being emitted, any history of pollution violations and the demographics of who’s affected.
- Contact the EPA: The map includes a direct link to send your concerns to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
