Pending pollution rules

Several environmental regulations affecting coal-burning power plants are coming this year and next.Mercury and air toxins: Rules due this week to control mercury and other toxic emissions.

Cross-state air pollution: A cap-and-trade system to reduce soot and smog-causing emissions in Eastern states. Effective Jan. 1, but still being revised.

Regional haze: Rules to reduce pollution-caused haze over U.S. parks and wilderness areas, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Decisions on implementation expected next year.

Carbon dioxide: First regulations for greenhouse gas expected early next year.