EPA cuts raise concerns about clean air and water protections

President Donald Trump’s administration is rapidly downsizing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, raising questions about whether it can still enforce key environmental protections.

Lylla Younes reports for Grist.

In short:

The Trump administration offered millions of federal workers a choice: resign with eight months’ pay or risk being laid off, affecting over 1,100 EPA employees.
The administration plans to shut down the Office of Environmental Justice, which manages billions in climate crisis funds for vulnerable communities.
Critics argue these cuts will weaken enforcement of environmental laws, with states lacking the expertise and funding to fill the gap.

Key quote:

“You take for granted that you can drink the water out of your faucet. You can do that because of the EPA.”

— Steve Gilrein, former EPA official

Why this matters:

The Environmental Protection Agency has long served as the nation’s watchdog for clean air, water and public health. Its enforcement of environmental laws has curbed industrial pollution, limited toxic exposure and helped mitigate climate risks. But efforts to shrink its workforce could significantly weaken these protections, shifting the burden to state governments that often lack the resources to enforce regulations on their own. A diminished EPA could mean slower responses to pollution violations, reduced oversight of hazardous industries and fewer resources for climate resilience programs. The agency also plays a critical role in funding environmental justice initiatives, which help vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by pollution.

grist.org

EPA cuts raise concerns about clean air and water protections

In northeastern North America, alpine zones are turning green

Bangladesh’s climate migrants are arriving in cities unprepared to protect them

Which protein is best for the planet and your health?

Photographic duo Michele Borzoni and Rocco Rorandelli document the youth protesting for a safer planet

A landmark youth climate trial against the Canadian government is about to begin

Data centers are ‘front and center’ in Pennsylvania’s competitive congressional elections

Losing ground in the climate fight

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.