EPA Rolls Back 31 Climate Regulations, Citing Economic Growth

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced a significant rollback of 31 environmental regulations, which Zeldin described as the 'most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history.' The changes aim to promote economic growth by easing restrictions on emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants, among others. Critics, including environmentalists and legal experts, argue that these rollbacks will exacerbate pollution, harm public health, and undermine efforts to combat climate change, especially affecting vulnerable communities. The EPA's reconsideration of the 2009 endangerment finding, which established the harmful effects of greenhouse gases, is particularly contentious, as it serves as the foundation for many climate regulations. Supporters of the deregulation argue it will lower energy costs and revive American manufacturing, while opponents fear it prioritizes corporate profits over public welfare. The actions reflect a broader commitment by the Trump administration to dismantle federal environmental protections.