WASHINGTON — In a major shift in environmental policy, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency announced a historic series of actions to roll back key environmental regulations. This includes significant changes to rules governing pollution from coal-fired power plants, climate change initiatives, and regulations affecting electric vehicles.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the day as “the most consequential day of deregulation in American history,” highlighting the impact of these measures on American families and businesses.
Zeldin asserted that these actions will eliminate trillions of dollars in regulatory costs, which he referred to as “hidden taxes.” By lowering the cost of living, he aims to make essentials more affordable, such as purchasing vehicles, heating homes, and running businesses.
“Our actions will also reignite American manufacturing, spreading economic benefits to communities,” Zeldin stated.
In total, the EPA is set to reverse 31 environmental rules, including a crucial scientific finding that has been essential for U.S. efforts to combat climate change.
Zeldin, supported by President Trump, plans to challenge the 2009 finding that greenhouse gases pose a significant threat to public health and welfare, a ruling established under the Clean Air Act that supports various climate regulations related to vehicles and power plants.
Critics, including environmentalists and climate scientists, argue that dismantling this endangerment finding undermines U.S. law and predict that efforts to reverse it may face significant challenges.
“Given the overwhelming scientific consensus, it’s unlikely that the EPA could issue a conflicting finding that would withstand legal scrutiny,” said a climate expert from an environmental advocacy group.
In addition to these changes, Zeldin announced plans to revise rules limiting air pollution from fossil-fueled power plants and to modify measures concerning emissions from vehicles. Zeldin and Trump have mischaracterized one of these vehicle-related regulations as an electric vehicle “mandate.”
The previous administration emphasized that the power plant regulations were designed to reduce pollution and enhance public health while ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply for the nation.
