Trump aims to reduce environmental oversight and mocks climate concerns

Former President Trump revealed plans to cut the Interior Department and mocked climate change action during a recent interview.

Timothy Cama reports for E&E News.


In short:

  • Trump plans to cut the Interior Department and other environmental agencies if he returns to the White House.
  • He criticized environmental regulations, claiming they hinder business and praised his past efforts to expedite energy projects.
  • Trump's spokesperson blamed President Biden for damaging the American oil and gas industry, despite record production under Biden’s administration.

Key quote:

“When they say that the seas will rise over the next 400 years — one-eighth of an inch, you know. Which means, basically you have a little more beachfront property, OK. Who knows?”

— Donald Trump, former president

Why this matters:

Trump's proposed cuts to environmental agencies could significantly impact regulations that protect natural resources and public health. The debate highlights the ongoing conflict between economic development and environmental protection in national policy discussions. Read more: Scientists probe ancient history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and find unsettling news about sea level rise.

Glaciers hanging over an alpine lake formed by glacial meltwater

How climate change worsened Nepal's deadly mountain collapse

A glacier and rock collapse in Nepal killed nearly 1,400 people and left thousands missing. Scientists say decades of warming helped set the disaster in motion.
‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño

‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño

From Sri Lanka to South Korea, governments are preparing for droughts, wildfires, typhoons and floods – with climate plans facing their biggest challenge to date.

Pipelines extending toward a geothermal energy plant with steam rising from it
Credit: joegough/BigStock Photo ID: 11999564

Mazama Energy raises $135M for superhot geothermal at Oregon volcano

The startup hit a milestone last year when it drilled the world’s hottest next-gen geothermal well. Now it’s working to prove its tech can scale commercially.

Items meant to encourage people to vote "YOUR √OTE COUNTS"

These state elections could reshape climate and energy policy

The prospects for state-level climate and energy legislation could hinge on the outcomes of just a few races.
Old buildings stand against a bright blue sky

Europe was the ‘most unusually hot place on the planet’ this summer. Can renewables cool us down?

“These past three months are a warning sign we cannot afford to ignore – the human and economic costs of fossil fuels are playing out in real time.”
Jackson Lake Dam wooden sign

‘This year is different’: The water reality Idaho can no longer ignore

Idaho doesn’t have enough water and natural flows along the Snake River are declining.

A blank billboard against a blue sky with clouds

Advertising contracts with Big Oil hit record high as profits soar from war in Iran

Campaigners say advertising and PR agencies are “nowhere close” to giving up their oil and gas clients.
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.