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.