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Trump’s EPA pick faces Senate grilling over climate rollback plans
Lee Zeldin, a Trump ally with limited environmental experience, is poised to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, where he’s expected to champion aggressive deregulation of climate protections.
In short:
- Former Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York, nominated to lead the EPA, faces scrutiny over his qualifications and alignment with Trump’s plans to weaken climate regulations.
- Despite touting support for clean air and water, Zeldin has a record of opposing key environmental legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and air and water protections.
- Critics, including Senator Edward Markey, question whether Zeldin prioritizes safeguarding public health and the environment over political loyalty to Trump.
Key quote:
“My questions go to what the EPA priorities would be under his leadership.”
— Senator Edward J. Markey, Massachusetts Democrat
Why this matters:
For Trump, Zeldin seems to be the perfect ally to turbocharge the rollback of climate rules and possibly even shrink the EPA’s scope altogether. If confirmed, Zeldin’s tenure could mark a pivotal moment for the EPA — one where public health and climate priorities are left hanging in the balance. Will Zeldin’s loyalty lie with the environment or his political benefactor?
Read more: Donald Trump wins US presidency. What that could mean for the environment
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Toxic pollution persists after Los Angeles wildfires devastate communities
As Los Angeles residents return to neighborhoods scarred by recent wildfires, experts warn that toxic ash and chemical residues from burned homes, vehicles and infrastructure pose ongoing health and environmental risks.
Amudalat Ajasa and Ruby Mellen report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Wildfires in Los Angeles have burned more than 40,000 acres, releasing pollutants from materials like lead pipes and fireproofing into the air and soil.
- Hazardous particles such as soot and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can infiltrate homes, affecting indoor air quality and increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
- Contamination from ash and damaged infrastructure could affect water systems, with experts urging residents to avoid drinking untreated water due to potential chemical exposure.
Key quote:
“The ash itself contains a lot more toxic chemicals than if it was just a forest burning.”
— Rima Habre, professor of environmental health and spatial sciences at the University of Southern California
Why this matters:
Urban wildfires destroy more than vegetation — they burn buildings, vehicles and household items, releasing harmful toxins that can linger in air, soil and water. Long-term exposure to these pollutants poses serious health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups and raises questions about disaster preparedness in urban sprawl areas.
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Wildfires threaten drinking water as ash and chemicals pollute watersheds
Wildfires are increasingly compromising U.S. water systems, introducing toxins from burned forests and damaged infrastructure into reservoirs and household supplies.
Daniel Wolfe and Aaron Steckelberg report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Over 60% of the U.S. drinking water supply comes from forested areas vulnerable to wildfire contamination.
- Post-fire runoff containing ash, debris and dissolved organic matter can overwhelm reservoirs, increasing toxic algae blooms and water treatment challenges.
- Damaged water systems, including melted plastic pipes, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contaminating residential water supplies long after fires are extinguished.
Key quote:
“We’re destabilizing [water] systems and we don’t even know in what way and how.”
— Newsha Ajami, chief strategic development officer for research in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs
Why this matters:
Megafires are burning larger areas and releasing more harmful materials, straining water treatment systems and exposing millions to potential toxins. Communities must adapt by investing in fire-resilient infrastructure and proactive water safety measures to address worsening fire seasons fueled by climate change.
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Newsletter
Global freshwater species face extinction risks as habitats deteriorate
Nearly a quarter of freshwater animal species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution and climate pressures, according to new research.
In short:
- Freshwater habitats cover less than 1% of Earth’s surface but support 10% of animal species.
- Researchers found that 24% of freshwater species, including fish and dragonflies, face extinction due to multiple threats such as pollution, dams and illegal mining.
- The Amazon River system, despite its size, is highly vulnerable to deforestation, wildfires and mercury contamination from illegal gold mining.
Key quote:
“If something goes really wrong, like an acid or oil spill, you can threaten an entire species. There’s nowhere else for these animals to go.”
— Patricia Charvet, study co-author and biologist at Brazil’s Federal University of Ceará
Why this matters:
Freshwater ecosystems are essential to global biodiversity but are more vulnerable than many land habitats. The extinction of species in rivers and lakes could disrupt entire ecosystems and affect human water sources and fisheries.
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Newsletter
Mining concerns put Arizona community’s water future at risk
A proposed mining project in the Patagonia Mountains has sparked local fears over water depletion and pollution as developers plan to pump millions of gallons of groundwater daily to extract critical minerals for renewable energy technology.
Esther Frances, Megija Medne and Phillip Powell report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- South32’s Hermosa project aims to mine zinc and manganese, vital for renewable energy, but locals worry about the mine's plan to discharge 6.5 million gallons of treated water daily into local waterways.
- Conservation groups, including Friends of Sonoita Creek, are gathering data to monitor potential impacts and contest permits they believe could harm the region's biodiversity.
- Residents fear long-term drought and legacy mining contamination could worsen due to mining operations, impacting both wildlife and the community's drinking water.
Key quote:
“It is the availability of that water that is a large reason for the biodiversity hotspot that this is, because the plants and the animals that are here have the water that they need to be here."
— Carolyn Shafer, Patagonia Area Resource Alliance
Why this matters:
The Hermosa mine is positioned as a key player in the U.S. energy transition, yet it raises serious concerns about groundwater depletion and pollution. Protecting this fragile ecosystem is critical for the residents of Patagonia, who depend entirely on the aquifer for their water.
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Newsletter
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Biden blocks offshore drilling to safeguard U.S. coasts before leadership change
President Biden has banned new offshore oil and gas drilling across significant swaths of U.S. waters, including the East Coast and parts of Alaska, marking a pivotal environmental move weeks before Trump takes office.
In short:
- Biden’s ban covers over 625 million acres, including the entire East Coast, Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea and the Pacific coast.
- The Interior Department notes limited industry activity in these areas, but the move seeks to block potential expansions under Trump.
- Oil industry leaders criticized the decision as anti-energy, while environmentalists see it as a win for climate policy.
Key quote:
“Drilling off these coasts could cause irreversible damage to places we hold dear and is unnecessary to meet our nation’s energy needs.”
— U.S. President Joe Biden
Why this matters:
Offshore drilling poses long-term risks to marine ecosystems, coastal communities and efforts to combat the climate crisis. With the clock ticking on Biden's presidency, this ban underscores a broader commitment to climate-conscious policymaking, even as it sets up yet another clash over America’s energy future. Whether the ban withstands incoming political tides remains a critical question.
Read more: Abandoned oil and gas wells leave the ocean floor spewing methane
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Newsletter
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EPA staff brace for potential departures amid Trump’s return
EPA employees are considering leaving as Trump prepares for a second term, which could significantly weaken the agency’s ability to perform essential environmental functions.
In short:
- EPA staff who felt undermined during Trump’s first term are contemplating retirement or resignation amid fears of renewed political interference.
- The potential exodus threatens critical environmental efforts, such as air and water safety and toxic site cleanups, which rely on scientific expertise.
- Environmental groups are preparing legal defenses and recruitment efforts, while state agencies brace for increased responsibility if federal staff diminish.
Key quote:
Under Trump, “we had to have a very long discussion about whether or not we were going to put that result up on the website. That’s something I’ve never experienced before, you know, just the idea that you would pause before you would inform the community.”
— Nicole Cantello, president of AFGE Local 704
Why this matters:
Losing experienced scientists and specialists could cripple the EPA's capacity to enforce environmental laws and monitor pollution, leaving public health vulnerable. State agencies may struggle to fill the gaps without federal support, jeopardizing safeguards for clean air and water.
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