EPA's new air quality standards raise concerns over jobs and Biden's reelection

In a move to combat air pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to tighten regulations on particulate matter, sparking debate over potential job losses and political repercussions.

Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.


In short:

  • The proposed regulation targets reducing airborne fine particles, linked to significant health hazards.
  • Opposition from business groups and some Democrats highlights concerns about potential job losses in manufacturing sectors.
  • The rule's implications extend beyond environmental impact, posing a challenge to President Biden's economic promises in battleground states.

Key quote:

“If you look at the map and overlay in your mind ‘get out the vote’ areas for Biden in critical states, you can’t help but be concerned”

— Rich Gold, a Democratic lobbyist

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

Three Chinese scientists scrutinizing six test tubes of blue liquid

China is the new science power: how will Europe respond?

China is taking the lead in international science: A new study shows how China overtakes the US in key areas of research and increasingly dominates the agenda. What does this mean for Europe?
Scientist examines the result of a plaque assay, which is a test that allows scientists to count how many flu virus particles (virions) are in a mixture.
Credit: Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Insiders warn how dismantling federal agencies could put science at risk

From NASA to the National Institutes of Health, federal agencies conduct research that universities cannot. Agency scientists speak out about the irreplaceable facilities, institutional knowledge and training opportunities that the country is losing.
A bobblehead of President Donald Trump on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives

‘Trump is against humankind’: World leaders at climate summit take swipes at absent president

Some of Thursday's speeches reflected anger and dismay at U.S. policies but could not hide the ambivalence that many countries feel about this year's climate talks.
Large crowd gathered at the Place de la République, Paris, France for climate protest
Credit: Photo by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash

10 years after the Paris Climate Agreement, here's where we are

Has anything really changed in the decade since the Paris Agreement was reached? Actually, quite a lot.
A 3D illustration of a bar chart with orange and blue bars

Planet in peril: 30 years of climate talks in six charts

As leaders gather for the U.N. climate summit in Brazil this month - three decades after the world's first annual climate conference - the data charting progress in the fight against global warming tells a sobering story.
Huge solar array in Dunhuang, China
Credit: Photo by ダモ リ on Unsplash

China, world’s top carbon polluter, likely to overdeliver on climate goals. Will that be enough?

Experts say China is likely to exceed its modest climate goals, but question if it will be enough to help the world curb warming.
Abigail Spansberger speaking at TEDx MidAtlantic
Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tedxmidatlantic/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Elections set up national battleground over electricity

Republicans got hammered in Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races, but Democrats still need to find their message on energy policy.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.