The president promised to roll back environmental protections in the leadup to the election and he is following through. This week his administration (EPA) announced they’ll be embarking on a several months rulemaking to undermine a host of existing environmental protections – mostly focusing on rolling back carbon reduction provisions.
While these changes won’t be immediate (they need to go through the federal rulemaking process) their intent is clear: to reverse climate policies and weaken or end carbon reduction policies while weakening environmental safeguards like soot and particulate matter control measures and goals.
EPA signals it will slash climate and pollution rules, including for cars and power plants
Under the new rules, they promise that car manufacturers would be given a free hand to produce vehicles that emit higher levels of carbon and other pollutants. Coal fired power plants, which are major contributors to greenhouse gases, will face fewer restrictions.
They also said they’ll be scaling back or ending soot (particulate matter) emission standards for industry and transportation which will have bad public health consequences (respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues) that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Long-Term Impact
Environmental advocates, scientists, and public health experts like APHA are voicing their concerns, warning that the EPA’s proposed changes are not just about reducing government intervention—they’re about dismantling critical protections that have helped mitigate the effects of climate change.
What’s Next?
Over the coming months expect the EPA to propose their rule rolling back the regulations. They’ll need to propose and publish a draft rule (CFR’s) and respond to comments before publishing a final rule. At that point I expect nonprofits and perhaps Democratic state Attorney Generals to file lawsuits challenging the rules – arguing they aren’t in accord with the direction given to the EPA by congress.
