Contributed by Todd Perry, CEO, PPM Consultants
On March 12, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled a sweeping deregulatory plan that he described as the “biggest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history.” The initiative, part of the Trump administration’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” agenda, includes 31 major actions aimed at rolling back key environmental regulations established during the Obama and Biden administrations.
A Historic Shift in Environmental Policy
Zeldin’s actions are designed to eliminate what he calls excessive bureaucratic overreach, which he argues has stifled economic growth, raised energy costs, and hurt American industries. The deregulatory plan focuses on energy independence, economic growth, and state autonomy while critics argue it threatens air quality, water safety, and climate action.
The plan marks a dramatic reversal from the environmental policies of recent years, significantly weakening federal oversight of power plants, vehicle emissions, oil and gas operations, and hazardous pollutants. While the administration frames these moves as pro-business and pro-consumer, environmental groups, public health advocates, and legal experts warn of severe consequences.
Key Deregulatory Actions Announced by the EPA
The 31 actions taken by the EPA under Zeldin target regulations across multiple sectors, with a focus on energy production, vehicle emissions, air and water quality standards, and environmental compliance programs. Below are some of the most significant rollbacks:
- Climate Regulations and Carbon Emission Standards
- Overhauling the Clean Power Plan 2.0: Originally designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, this plan is now under review, with likely rollbacks favoring coal and natural gas industries.
- Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding: This is a crucial legal basis for climate regulations, declaring greenhouse gases a threat to public health. Zeldin’s EPA may attempt to rewrite or weaken this finding, which would significantly undermine federal climate action.
- Eliminating the Social Cost of Carbon: This metric, which estimates the long-term economic damage caused by carbon emissions, has guided regulatory decisions for years. Removing it could lower the justification for climate policies.
- Energy Industry Deregulation
- Revising Oil and Gas Emission Standards (OOOO b/c rules): These rules limit methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, from drilling sites. Weakening them would favor fossil fuel companies but may increase pollution.
- Reconsideration of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS): These regulations restrict toxic mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, which pose significant health risks, especially to children.
- Weakening Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements: The EPA is reviewing mandatory reporting rules, potentially allowing polluting industries to self-regulate instead of following federal emission monitoring.
- Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Efficiency
- Rolling Back Vehicle Emission Standards: The EPA is reconsidering regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions from light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Ending the “Biden-Harris EV Mandate”: Zeldin argues that the previous administration’s stronger fuel efficiency rules were a de facto electric vehicle (EV) mandate, restricting consumer choice and harming traditional auto manufacturers.
- Air and Water Quality Rollbacks
- Revising the “Good Neighbor Plan”: This plan required states to reduce cross-state air pollution to protect downwind communities. Some believe rolling it back could increase smog and respiratory diseases in affected regions.
- Loosening National Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Fine particulate pollution has been linked to lung disease, heart conditions, and premature deaths. Critics argue this change will harm public health.
- Weakened Protections for Rivers, Streams, and Wetlands: The Clean Water Act safeguards against industrial pollution in waterways. Opposers are concerned that the rollback could increase contamination risks, particularly in rural communities.
- Eliminating Environmental Justice and DEI Programs
- Terminating the Environmental Justice (EJ) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs: These programs aimed to address pollution in marginalized communities. Critics argue their removal will disproportionately harm low-income and minority communities, which are already at greater risk of environmental hazards.
The “Powering the Great American Comeback” Initiative
Zeldin’s rollback plan aligns with the broader “Powering the Great American Comeback” strategy, which was announced in February 2025. This initiative outlines five key pillars:
- “Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American” – Zeldin insists the administration is committed to environmental protection, but with less federal oversight and more state control.
- “Restoring American Energy Dominance” – Emphasizing increased domestic fossil fuel production and reducing environmental regulations that “hamper energy independence.”
- “Permitting Reform and Cooperative Federalism” – Streamlining approval processes for industrial and energy projects while shifting regulatory power from the federal government to states.
- “Making the U.S. the AI Capital of the World” – Investing in artificial intelligence as a national security and economic strategy.
- “Protecting and Revitalizing the Auto Industry” – Reducing regulatory burdens on traditional automakers while pushing back against EV mandates.
Public Reactions and Pushback
Supporters Say:
- Industry and Business Groups: Many energy, manufacturing, and automotive companies support the rollbacks, arguing they reduce costs, increase jobs, and promote economic growth.
- Republican Lawmakers: GOP leaders praise the initiative for reducing government interference and returning power to the states.
- Consumers and Workers: Some supporters believe cheaper energy and vehicles will help lower the cost of living.
Critics Say:
- Environmental Organizations: Groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) warn of increased pollution, climate risks, and health hazards.
- Opposing Public Health Experts: Medical professionals caution that weakened air and water protections will lead to more respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Some Legal Experts and State Attorneys General: Lawsuits are expected, as opponents argue many of these rollbacks violate existing environmental laws.
- Democratic Lawmakers: Many Democratic governors and senators vow to fight these changes in court and through state regulations.
What Happens Next?
Despite the sweeping announcement, none of these rollbacks take effect immediately. The rulemaking process requires:
- Public comment periods where businesses, states, and advocacy groups weigh in.
- Legal challenges from environmental organizations, states, and possibly Congress.
- Potential reversals in future administrations, depending on electoral outcomes.
Many of these regulatory changes could take months or even years to finalize, and court battles are almost certain.
Conclusion
The EPA’s deregulatory moves represent a historic shift in environmental policy. While the administration presents this as a pro-business, pro-consumer agenda, critics argue it prioritizes short-term economic gains over long-term environmental and public health protections.
With the inevitable legal and political battles ahead, the fate of U.S. environmental policy remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the landscape of climate action, industrial regulation, and federal environmental enforcement is undergoing a major transformation.
Sources:
- EPA Launches Biggest Deregulatory Action in U.S. History – US EPA
- AP News: EPA Head Lee Zeldin Rolls Back Biden-Era Environmental Regulations
- ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” – US EPA