EPA Launches Major Deregulatory Agenda, Targets Climate Policies and Environmental Oversight

Welcome to this week's EPA Update. Our top story: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has launched what he calls "the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history," announcing 31 initiatives aimed at rolling back environmental regulations.

On March 12, Zeldin unveiled plans to reconsider numerous Obama and Biden-era policies, including the Clean Power Plan, vehicle emissions standards, and the 2009 Endangerment Finding that classified greenhouse gases as pollutants. The agency aims to lower costs for businesses and consumers while promoting American energy production.

Zeldin stated, "Today is the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. 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 sweeping agenda aligns closely with President Trump's "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative and the conservative Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 blueprint. Key actions include reconsidering greenhouse gas reporting requirements, revising the definition of "Waters of the United States," and overhauling the social cost of carbon calculations.

The EPA is also restructuring its enforcement priorities. A memo from the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance directs staff to avoid actions that could disrupt energy production unless there's an imminent health threat. The agency has eliminated its environmental justice office and paused certain environmental grants.

These changes could significantly impact American businesses, potentially reducing regulatory burdens but also raising concerns about environmental protection. State governments may see increased authority in environmental decision-making, aligning with the administration's emphasis on "cooperative federalism."

Critics, including environmental groups and some Democratic lawmakers, argue these rollbacks could harm public health and the environment. The League of Conservation Voters' Matthew Davis commented, "We're now seeing the Trump administration and some of the very authors of Project 2025 implementing those changes."

Internationally, these policy shifts may affect U.S. climate commitments and relationships with other nations on environmental issues.

Looking ahead, many of these changes will require formal rulemaking processes, which can take months or even years to complete. Legal challenges from environmental groups and some states are expected.

For those wanting to stay informed or provide input, the EPA will be publishing notices of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register. Public comment periods will be announced for many of these actions.

As these initiatives unfold, we'll continue to track their progress and impacts. For more information, visit epa.gov or follow the agency's social media channels. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.