US moves to end Biden-era rule over coal-burning power plants

Also: Warning over 'microwave safe' plastics

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Stuti Mishra Climate Correspondent | @Stuti.bsky.social Stuti Mishra Climate Correspondent| @Stuti.bsky.social   Hello and welcome back to our weekly climate newsletter.   The US Environmental Protection Agency has moved to repeal a Biden-era rule that limits the amount of toxic air pollution produced by coal-burning power plants.   The action could allow the plants to release more dangerous heavy metals, including brain-damaging mercury and cancer-causing arsenic, marking yet another step by the administration to reverse Biden policies.   It comes a week after the EPA announced it would repeal its landmark 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health.   EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi claimed that the 2024 amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards had "imposed burdensome and unnecessary requirements that put grid reliability and baseload power at risk," adding that human health protections established in 2012 remain in place.   "By repealing these needless and costly changes made by the Biden-Harris administration, we are demonstrating that we do not need to choose between protecting human health and economic grow - we can choose BOTH," he wrote in a social media post. The EPA says rescinding the standards is expected to save an estimated $670 million.   Health experts and environmental groups say that the decision is a grave mistake that could come with deadly consequences for all Americans.   Click here to read more In Colorado town built on coal, some families are moving on, even as Trump tries to boost industry (AP) Weekly briefing Even 'microwave safe' plastic containers can release microplastics into meals, new study warns By Stuti Mishra  Big Oil made nearly $500bn in profits since Ukraine war began, analysis shows By Stuti Mishra UK's food system a 'tinderbox' for social unrest  By Holly Evans Stuti's must-reads How the climate crisis threatens our food — and the people that grow it All across the world, harvests that we have long depended on to provide the foods that we know and love are faltering. Spanish olives, Floridian oranges, Ghanaian cocoa beans and Costa Rican pineapples are among the harvests impacted by climate shocks over the past few years, which have impacted the supplies – and prices – of food on supermarket shelves.   This escalating climate risk is one of many reasons why NGOs and ethical investors are campaigning hard for the UK to introduce mandatory checks on the environmental impact and human rights in supply chains, as part of a campaign that is being described as a "once-in-a-decade" opportunity to clean up the UK's footprint on the world.   Read more Supreme Court will weigh oil and gas companies' bid to block climate change lawsuits The Supreme Court has agreed to hear from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change.   The conservative-majority court agreed to take up a case Monday from Boulder, Colorado, among a series of lawsuits alleging the companies deceived the public about how fossil fuels contribute to climate change. Governments around the country have sought damages totaling billions of dollars, arguing it's necessary to help pay for rebuilding after wildfires, rising sea levels and severe storms worsened by climate change.   The lawsuits come amid a wave of legal actions in states including California, Hawaii and New Jersey and worldwide seeking to leverage action through the courts.   Read more CLIMATE IN NUMBERS $467bn That's how much profit six major oil companies have earned since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began four years ago, as households across Europe have continued to grapple with elevated energy bills   Read more The Independent has launched a project to investigate the impact of foreign aid cuts on the developing world. The project receives funding from the Gates Foundation. All of the journalism is editorially independent. FEATURED How debt relief for developing countries could help reverse the consequences of UK aid cuts By Nick Ferris     Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION   INDYBEST / BEST BUYS Best eco-friendly period pants that won't cramp your style Luxury for less: Get 30% off Asket's recycled cashmere jumper. 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