EPA's Climate Policy Shift: Implications and Next Steps

Welcome to this week's environmental update. The most significant headline from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week is the dramatic shift in U.S. climate policy following President Trump's signing of 26 executive orders on his first day of his second term. These orders include the repeal of all climate-focused executive orders from the Biden Administration and a directive to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at limiting global greenhouse gas emissions[1].

This move signals a significant rollback of climate policies, with the EPA now tasked with reviewing the legality and applicability of its 2009 endangerment finding for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. This review could potentially undermine the EPA's regulations covering carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and power plants. Additionally, the EPA must issue guidance on the social cost of carbon, a metric used to quantify the climate impacts of regulations and permitting, which could lead to its elimination[1].

Despite these changes, the EPA had previously outlined its plans for fiscal year 2025, which include driving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through regulations, climate partnership programs, and support to tribal, state, and local governments. The agency aims to implement new source performance standards and emission guidelines for power plants and the oil and gas sector, and to enhance reporting of emissions from U.S. industrial sectors[2].

The EPA also plans to invest significant resources in addressing technical challenges to support long-term rulemakings, including the implementation of multi-pollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles and heavy-duty engines and vehicles[2]. Furthermore, the agency will continue to extend its expertise internationally to help shape and advance international agreements and solutions on climate change[2].

In terms of budget allocations, the EPA proposes nearly $769 million and 3,429 full-time equivalents to strengthen compliance with the nation's environmental laws and hold violators accountable. This includes an increase of over 200 full-time equivalents for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance[3].

On a separate note, the EPA has begun five chemical risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act, focusing on known or probable carcinogens such as acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, and vinyl chloride. The agency has also initiated the process to prioritize the next five chemicals for risk evaluations[4].

The impacts of these developments are far-reaching. For American citizens, the rollback of climate policies could lead to increased exposure to greenhouse gas emissions and associated health risks. Businesses and organizations may face changes in regulatory requirements, while state and local governments may need to adapt their environmental policies in response to federal changes. Internationally, the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement could strain relations with countries committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, the EPA's latest news and developments underscore the significant shifts in U.S. environmental policy. Citizens can engage by staying informed through the EPA's newsroom and by participating in public comment periods on proposed regulations. For more information, visit the EPA's website. The next steps to watch include the EPA's implementation of new source performance standards and the outcome of the chemical risk evaluations. Stay tuned for further updates on these critical environmental issues.