Basin Electric receives presidential exemption

On April 8, 2025, U.S. President Trump signed a Proclamation exempting select companies that had applied for an exemption from the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) regulations for their coal- and oil-fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (EGUs). 

Among those companies was Basin Electric, with four of the cooperative’s power plants receiving the presidential exemption: Antelope Valley Station in Beulah, North Dakota; Dry Fork Station in Gillette, Wyoming; Laramie River Station in Wheatland, Wyoming; and Leland Olds Station in Stanton, North Dakota.

The presidential exemption extends the compliance date for two years beyond the rule’s current compliance date. While the exemption is in effect, Basin Electric continues to comply with strict emissions standards, including those related to mercury and particulate matter emissions.

“The MATS rule placed heavy burdens on coal-fired power plants and the viability of the U.S. coal sector,” Erin Dukart, director of Environmental Services at Basin Electric, said. “This exemption is positive for Basin Electric because EPA is in the process of reconsidering this rule. The exemption prevents Basin Electric from being required to install costly infrastructure that may not be needed if the rule is reconsidered.”

As always, Basin Electric’s environmental, government relations, and legal teams will closely monitor standards and guidelines that could affect the cooperative.