Trump Plans Major Move Against EPA Rules

Former President Donald Trump pledges to dismantle the EPA’s emission regulations if re-elected, while sharply criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris.

At a Glance

Trump aims to dismantle the EPA’s emission regulations if re-elected.
Kamala Harris targeted for leading EPA’s strict emission standards.
Trump believes environmental regulations hinder economic growth.
The second term may revisit and roll back EPA regulations on carbon pollution and fuel efficiency standards.

Trump’s Pledge to Dismantle EPA Emissions Regulation

Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power plant emissions regulation if he returns to office. Trump argues that current environmental regulations impede economic growth and energy independence. A significant aspect of his campaign involves reversing the environmental policies that he claims stifle business interests, particularly in the energy sector. He believes that deregulating the industry will lead to job creation and industrial revitalization.

Trump’s previous term saw a substantial cut to the EPA’s budget, leading to numerous scientists leaving the agency. Jeff Holmstead, who ran the EPA’s air office during the Bush administration, suggested that Trump and his advisers are now better prepared to effect significant changes. Supporting this viewpoint, Mandy Gunasekara, Trump’s former EPA chief of staff, criticized the Biden administration for EPA overreach and laid out plans to reduce the agency’s scope under a second Trump administration.

Kamala Harris Criticized Over EPA’s Emission Standards

During his announcement, Trump specifically targeted Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of leading a “regulatory jihad” via the EPA’s stringent emission standards. He contends that these regulations not only burden businesses but also threaten American jobs and energy security. Trump’s approach resonates with his core supporters, who prioritize economic growth over environmental regulation. This stance underscores his commitment to reversing policies that he believes are harmful to industrial activities and national energy independence.

“Donald Trump and his advisers have made campaign promises to toss crucial environmental regulations and boost the planet-heating fossil fuel sector.” – The Guardian

Trump’s intended policies form part of a broader conservative agenda known as Project 2025. This initiative seeks to minimize the EPA’s focus on the climate crisis and strengthen ties with the fossil fuel industry. Among the targeted departments for closure are the Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Office, Public Engagement, Environmental Education, and International and Tribal Affairs offices. Experts, including Maria Lopez-Nunez from Ironbound Community Corporation, argue that closing these offices would significantly harm grassroots environmental efforts.

Impact of a Potential Second Trump Administration

A second Trump administration would likely revisit and potentially roll back EPA regulations on carbon pollution and fuel efficiency standards. Trump has expressed criticism of electric vehicle subsidies and proposed loosening existing fuel efficiency standards. This contrasts starkly with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts, which include finalizing the strongest-ever pollution standards for vehicles from model years 2027 through 2032.

“I think it would be devastating,” said Michael Gerrard, director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School.

The Biden administration has promoted environmental justice and funded disadvantaged communities through legislative measures like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. If Trump returns to the Oval Office, Mandy Gunasekara suggests that he should work to roll back these grant programs, which she views as overreaching. Additionally, Gunasekara has proposed closing the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, which experts warn would weaken pollution control enforcement.