EPA Plans Rollback of Climate, Air Pollution Rules Across Midwest

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has initiated one of the largest environmental deregulation efforts in U.S. history, including plans to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding that underpins greenhouse gas regulations under the Clean Air Act. This rollback targets regulations on industrial pollution and vehicle emissions, which critics warn will exacerbate environmental injustices in heavily polluted industrial communities such as Gary, Indiana, and Southwestern Pennsylvania. While the Trump administration argues these changes will relieve burdens on industry and reduce what they call "hidden taxes," experts and advocates fear the move will worsen air quality, increase health risks, and invite more lawsuits and state-level regulations. Local leaders and environmental groups warn that these rollbacks sacrifice community health and undermine decades of progress in reducing pollution and combating climate change. Public hearings and comment periods have been scheduled to address concerns about the potential damage these policies could inflict on vulnerable populations and the environment. This deregulatory push has been met with strong opposition from environmental justice advocates who emphasize the disproportionate impact on communities of color and low-income residents.