Welcome to our podcast on the latest news and developments from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This week, we're starting with a significant headline that has far-reaching implications for U.S. environmental policy.
President Trump has begun his second term with a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping the country's environmental policies. On January 20, 2025, he signed 26 executive orders, which included the repeal of almost 80 executive orders from the previous administration. Notably, these orders contain repeals of key Biden Administration policies and calls to agency action to reassess treatment of major environmental issues associated with motor vehicles, energy development, and climate change[1].
One of the most significant actions is the rollback of climate policies. President Trump repealed all climate-focused executive orders from the Biden Administration, including a directive to remove the United States from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty to limit global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the EPA has been directed to review the legality and continuing applicability of its 2009 endangerment finding for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act and to issue guidance on the social cost of carbon, which could potentially eliminate its use in regulatory decisions[1].
However, it's worth noting that the EPA had previously outlined its plans for FY 2025, which included driving reductions in emissions that significantly contribute to climate change through regulations on greenhouse gases, climate partnership programs, and support to tribal, state, and local governments. The agency planned to implement new source performance standards and emission guidelines applicable to power plants and to new and existing facilities in the oil and gas sector[2].
In other news, the EPA has added nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory for reporting year 2025, which will require facilities to track and report their activities involving these substances[3].
The EPA has also been actively involved in responding to the recent catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County. Under President Trump's leadership, the EPA has been assisting local government and residents in the removal of hazardous materials from properties burned by wildfires. This includes lithium-ion batteries, which can spontaneously re-ignite and emit toxic gases and particulates[5].
EPA Acting Deputy Administrator Chad McIntosh stated, "Under President Trump's leadership, EPA is doing everything within our power to expedite cleanup of hazardous debris and to help provide Californians safer access to their property as soon as possible."
These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. The rollback of climate policies could undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change, while the addition of PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory aims to increase transparency and accountability in the handling of these substances.
For more information on these developments and to stay updated on EPA news, visit the EPA Newsroom[4]. Citizens can also engage by following local authorities' guidance on returning home after wildfires and by reporting any encounters with hazardous materials.
In conclusion, the EPA's latest news and developments highlight significant changes in environmental policy and ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges. We encourage our listeners to stay informed and engaged on these critical issues. Thank you for tuning in.