epa regulations
Newsletter
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Trump could face fewer hurdles to overhaul the EPA in a second term
Donald Trump, if re-elected, would likely face fewer legal and bureaucratic barriers to significantly alter environmental and climate regulations, leveraging a more favorable judicial landscape and conservative support.
Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Trump's previous attempts to roll back environmental regulations were often blocked by courts and internal resistance.
- Project 2025, led by conservative allies, outlines plans to weaken the EPA's authority on climate rules and environmental protections.
- The Supreme Court's conservative majority could facilitate Trump's regulatory changes, posing a challenge to existing environmental policies.
Key quote:
"It's going to be easier. They’re going to have better people, more committed people, more experienced people."
— Myron Ebell, former EPA transition leader
Why this matters:
A weakened EPA could result in reduced efforts to combat climate change, affecting global warming mitigation. Regulatory changes may increase environmental risks and undermine public health protections.
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Newsletter
EPA plans release of new regulations for power plants next week
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is set to introduce a series of new regulations aimed at reducing pollutants from America's power plants as part of a comprehensive environmental strategy.
In short:
- The Biden administration is poised to announce up to four new EPA regulations targeting emissions and waste from fossil-fuel power plants.
- These rules aim to address carbon emissions, air toxics, and waste from coal and gas-fired plants, with some still under review by the Office of Management and Budget.
- The initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide regulatory certainty and address environmental concerns before a critical policy deadline.
Why this matters:
As awareness of climate change grows and the imperative to mitigate its effects becomes increasingly urgent, there's mounting pressure on regulatory agencies like the EPA to take decisive action.
In 2015, sulfur dioxide emissions in Alabama dropped due to to federal regulations targeting the fossil fuel industry. These regulations were kick-started by 1990 Clean Air Act amendments and the rise of natural gas and other energy sources that have further pinched the coal industry.
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Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians/Pixabay
Changes anticipated in EPA's power plant emissions regulations as deadline approaches
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nears finalization of its emissions standards for power plants, potential modifications aim to tighten controls on gas-fired facilities.
In short:
- The EPA is considering extending compliance deadlines for power plants needing carbon capture technology.
- Discussions suggest modifications that would broaden the scope of strict emissions standards to include more gas-fired power plants.
- Stakeholders including environmentalists and industry groups have influenced the ongoing revisions, seeking feasible implementation timelines.
Key quote:
"We were obviously concerned that by removing existing gas from this rule that it opens up the opportunity to rely more on existing gas, and the emissions from gas plants could increase."
— Ann Weeks, senior counsel and legal director at the Clean Air Task Force
Why this matters:
Natural gas plants, while cleaner than coal-fired plants, still emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. In addition, these plants can release pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Tightening emissions regulations aligns with broader efforts to reduce the United States' carbon footprint and transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Listen: EHN reporter discusses EPA's new proposed air pollution limits.
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Newsletter
Photo by Chris LeBoutillier on Unsplash
EPA finally wakes up with stiff new climate rules: ‘They’ve hit full throttle’
A slew of anti-pollution, from toxic water to planet-heating emissions has been issued by an agency belatedly flexing its muscles.
Newsletter
EPA, reversing Trump, will restore states’ power to block pipelines
A proposed rule would make it easier for state officials and tribal authorities to stop pipelines and other energy projects that could pollute local waters.
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