President-elect Donald Trump’s team intends to dismantle Biden-era environmental rules, easing restrictions on fossil fuel production and revisiting climate and pollution regulations, a shift that could take years to fully implement.
Alejandra Martinez and Carlos Nogueras Ramos report for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- Trump has pledged to roll back Biden administration regulations that limit oil and gas industry emissions, including methane controls and permitting requirements.
- Key methane reduction initiatives passed under Biden’s leadership, such as emissions fees and reporting rules, face potential repeal, despite efforts to limit climate-impactful emissions.
- Environmental and public health advocates are preparing legal challenges to defend Biden-era air and water safeguards and prevent "regulatory whiplash."
Key quote:
“Most of what we can credit the Biden administration [on environmental policy] … was done through his executive authority or rulemakings, and those rules can be undone.”
— Adrian Shelley, Texas director of Public Citizen
Why this matters:
Reversing these climate regulations would likely increase greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change impacts. The regulatory back-and-forth may create uncertainty for energy industries while affecting public health protections designed to mitigate pollution and promote cleaner air and water.
Read more: Donald Trump wins US presidency. What that could mean for the environment.
