In a move that threatens to dismantle the very foundations of U.S. climate laws, the Trump administration has announced a sweeping rollback on greenhouse gas regulations.
This decision, reported by the New York Times, marks a significant shift in the nation’s environmental policy, raising concerns among climate advocates and scientists alike.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the leadership of Administrator Lee Zeldin, unveiled 31 actions aimed at rolling back key public health and climate change policies. These measures include the repeal of Biden-era emissions limits on power plants and automobiles, as well as reduced protections for waterways.
Zeldin described the day as “the most consequential day of deregulation in American history,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to slashing regulations to boost industries from coal to manufacturing.
The rollback includes a review of the 2009 scientific finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health, a cornerstone of the EPA’s climate regulations. This move has sparked outrage among environmental groups, who argue that it will lead to increased pollution and public health risks.
“This move won’t stand up in court. We’re going to fight it every step of the way,” said Jason Rylander, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute.
While environmentalists decry the rollback, industry groups have expressed support, viewing it as a necessary step to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth.
“Voters sent a clear message in support of affordable, reliable and secure American energy, and the Trump administration is answering the call,” said Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute.
As the Trump administration pushes forward with its deregulatory agenda, the future of U.S. climate policy hangs in the balance. The international community watches closely, aware that these changes could have far-reaching implications for global efforts to combat climate change.