Summary
President Donald Trump announced a major change to U.S. climate policy by revoking an Obama-era regulation that linked pollution to public health and environmental harm. This rollback is seen as one of the most significant actions on climate policy during his second term. The decision focused on reducing regulations and was framed as a move to benefit the economy, particularly the fossil fuel and auto industries.
Key Facts
- President Trump announced the revocation of a 2009 regulation connecting pollution to public health and environmental damage.
- The regulation had been the basis for U.S. policies that aimed to reduce emissions from vehicles and industries.
- Trump described the rollback as a victory against the Democratic Party’s environmental agenda.
- The change is expected to benefit the fossil fuel industry by focusing on boosting traditional energy sources.
- Trump argued that the move would lower energy costs for Americans.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's administrator, Lee Zeldin, supported the decision and criticized previous climate policies for hindering economic growth.
- Democrats and environmental groups opposed the rollback, fearing it would worsen climate change.
- Previous to this rollback, Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord during his presidency.
