U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the Trump administration’s sweeping environmental deregulation agenda Sunday, saying it would not harm the environment and aligns with Americans’ economic concerns.
Lauren Irwin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Zeldin said the agency’s deregulatory actions, including reversing climate and pollution rules, will not damage the environment, claiming economic hardship justifies the changes.
- The administration is targeting Obama- and Biden-era measures, including stricter limits on soot pollution, mercury emissions from power plants, and efforts to boost electric vehicle adoption and phase out coal.
- Zeldin also confirmed plans to shutter EPA offices focused on pollution in underserved and minority communities, though he encouraged public feedback during the formal comment period.
Key quote:
"We have to both protect the environment and grow the economy."
— Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator
Why this matters:
While economic pressures are real, the trade-offs between cost and health protection often fall hardest on those least able to bear them. As the EPA redefines its mission under Zeldin, watchdogs warn that transparency, science-based policy, and public accountability are more critical than ever.
Related: Zeldin shifts EPA toward deregulation and fossil fuel industry allies
