A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy under the Trump administration may allow chemical giants to sidestep rules that limit mercury, benzene, and other hazardous pollutants — with big consequences for public health.
Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- Industry groups representing ExxonMobil, Dow, Chevron, and hundreds of other chemical and petrochemical makers are lobbying the EPA for blanket exemptions from air pollution rules, citing high costs and “unworkable” timelines.
- The EPA, now led by Lee Zeldin, has set up what environmental groups have called a “polluters’ portal” — an email inbox where companies can request two-year exemptions from nine Biden-era environmental rules.
- Environmental groups warn that this loophole could result in increased exposure to pollutants known to cause cancer, asthma, and birth defects, especially in children.
Key quote:
“There is no basis in U.S. clean air laws — and in decency — for this absolute free pass to pollute.”
— Vickie Patton, general counsel, Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
This policy could open the floodgates to more cancer-causing fumes, more neurotoxins in kids’ bodies, and more birth defects — especially in the communities that already bear the brunt of pollution. It's one in a series of major regulatory rollbacks that Zeldin has announced that have major implications for public health and well-being.
Read more:
