Washington D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to embark on what it calls “the most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history,” targeting over two dozen rules and policies. The agency’s plans remain undisclosed, leaving uncertainty on whether the regulations will be weakened or entirely eliminated. Rules concerning climate pollution from vehicles, power plants, wastewater from coal plants, and air pollution from the energy and manufacturing sectors are among those the EPA is considering reconsidering.
The list released by the EPA serves as a “roadmap” for upcoming regulatory rollbacks, according to Jason Rylander, legal director of the Climate Law Institute at the Center for Biological Diversity. He expressed concerns that these actions could severely limit the agency’s ability to address climate change and public health impacts of air pollution. Despite the lack of specifics, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized the importance of reducing the cost of living for American families, promoting American energy, bringing auto jobs back to the U.S., and more.
Amidst the EPA’s potential efforts to roll back environmental rules, legal challenges are expected. Amanda Leland, executive director of the Environmental Defense Fund, strongly criticized the EPA’s plans, warning of increased pollution leading to health risks for the American people. The reconsideration of rules governing power plant emissions has sparked debates within the industry, with some expressing concerns over electric reliability while others advocate for a transition to cleaner energy sources.
The EPA’s focus on revising regulations related to vehicle emissions, particularly in relation to electric vehicles, reflects the current administration’s stance on environmental policies. Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the inconsistency in regulations, impacting the ability to plan for future products. On the other hand, environmental and public health groups support more stringent standards, citing benefits such as reduced pollution, improved public health, and cost savings for consumers.
The EPA’s decision to reassess the endangerment finding related to climate pollutants has raised questions about the agency’s future regulatory actions. Environmental groups argue that the scientific evidence supporting the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change is irrefutable, challenging any potential rollback of existing regulations. The utility industry has also expressed concerns over the implications of eliminating the endangerment finding, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to emissions reduction to minimize economic impacts.