Environmental advocates in Houston worry that potential U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rollbacks under a Trump presidency could weaken protections against pollution in overburdened communities.
David Schechter, Samantha Wender and Chance Horner report for CBS News.
In short:
- Houston resident Donna Thomas attributes her health issues to pollution and criticizes the nearby coal-fired power plant as dangerous for the community.
- The Biden administration’s Office of Environmental Justice, supported by $2.8 billion in funding, aids marginalized communities in monitoring and addressing air quality issues.
- Project 2025, a policy guide for Donald Trump, proposes eliminating the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice, reflecting broader plans to scale back environmental regulations.
Key quote:
"Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, you should be protected from all the environmental issues, but you're not because there's no justice out here for people."
— Donna Thomas, Houston resident
Why this matters:
Environmental rollbacks could disproportionately harm communities already struggling with air pollution, reversing decades of progress. With air pollutants linked to premature deaths and health risks, Houston's residents face heightened risks if regulations are weakened.
Related EHN coverage:
