EPA Announces Sweeping Deregulatory Push, Prioritizing Energy over Climate

Welcome to this week's EPA update. Our top story: Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a sweeping deregulatory initiative, calling it the "biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history."

On March 12th, Zeldin unveiled plans to reconsider 31 environmental regulations, aiming to boost American energy production and lower costs for families. Key targets include greenhouse gas limits on power plants, methane rules for oil and gas, and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

Zeldin stated, "We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion to drive down cost of living for American families, unleash American energy, bring auto jobs back to the U.S. and more."

This shift marks a dramatic reversal from the Biden administration's climate-focused agenda. The EPA will now prioritize imminent health threats over long-term environmental concerns, particularly in the energy sector.

A new enforcement memo directs staff to avoid actions that could shut down energy production unless there's an immediate danger to public health. Environmental justice considerations have been removed from enforcement priorities.

These changes could significantly impact businesses, potentially reducing compliance costs but also creating regulatory uncertainty. State governments may see increased authority over environmental decisions, while some worry about the long-term effects on air and water quality.

Critics argue these rollbacks could harm public health and the environment. Environmental groups are likely to challenge many of these actions in court, which could delay implementation for months or even years.

It's important to note that existing regulations remain in effect until formally changed through the rulemaking process. This can take anywhere from 8 to 24 months per rule, not including potential legal challenges.

For citizens concerned about these changes, the public comment period during the rulemaking process offers a chance to voice opinions. Keep an eye out for notices of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register.

Looking ahead, the EPA plans to reconstitute its Science Advisory Board and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, potentially changing how the agency uses scientific evidence in decision-making.

For more information on specific regulatory changes and how they might affect you, visit epa.gov. As always, we'll keep you updated on the latest developments from the Environmental Protection Agency. Until next time, this is your EPA podcast signing off.