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.

www.nytimes.com

Trump could face fewer hurdles to overhaul the EPA in a second term

Cuts to renewable energy research in Energy Department’s budget irk Senate Democrats

Takeaways from Burgum’s Capitol Hill appearance

Opinion: A catastrophic climate event is upon us. Here is why you’ve heard so little about it

In climate change fight, doomerism is out. Laughter is in

Opinion: Farming with hope in the age of climate change

The roller coaster price of oil is bad for almost everyone

An Ohio court may OK fracking waste wells despite pollution concerns

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.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

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

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.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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