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  On December 16, EPA completed writing the so-called “Utility MACT” rule, which will require power plants to implement maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards to control emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants, and the agency is expected to announce the rule during the week of December 18, according to a report in the Washington Post. As the result of last-minute negotiations between the agency and the White House, the rule reportedly provides some increased flexibility for power plant operators that can prove that they will be unable to meet the three-year deadline for compliance with the rule. EPA estimates that compliance with the Utility MACT will cost electric utilities $10.6 billion by 2016 for the installation of pollution control equipment—a figure more than offset by health benefits ranging from $59 billion to $140 billion per year, according to the agency.