Good morning and welcome to this week's environmental update. We're starting with breaking news from the EPA that's reshaping how America regulates its waters. On November 17th, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the Army Corps of Engineers unveiled a proposed rule that fundamentally redefines what counts as waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. This move follows a Supreme Court decision in Sackett and represents a significant shift in environmental policy under the Trump administration.

The new definition aims to provide what officials call regulatory certainty for farmers and businesses while protecting water resources. The proposal opens a 45-day public comment period, giving listeners a chance to weigh in on this major change. Agricultural groups are backing the narrower definition, arguing it reduces burdens and provides clarity. Environmental advocates, however, warn it could leave millions of acres of wetlands and miles of streams unprotected going forward.

But the water regulation story is just one piece of a much larger regulatory overhaul happening at the EPA right now. The agency is undertaking what it calls the biggest deregulatory action in US history. On August 1st, the EPA proposed repealing all greenhouse gas emission standards for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, along with rescinding the 2009 Endangerment Finding that declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health. This would unwind decades of emissions regulations established under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

The power sector is also in the crosshairs. In June, the EPA proposed changes that could relax or repeal carbon pollution standards for power plants, which account for about 25 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions. Supporters argue these changes will improve grid reliability and lower energy costs. Opponents worry about increased emissions of mercury, arsenic, and selenium in waterways.

Perhaps most immediately affecting public health, on November 24th, the EPA moved to abandon stricter limits on fine particulate matter pollution. The Biden administration's 2024 standard could have prevented up to 4,500 premature deaths and 800,000 asthma cases annually. The EPA is now asking courts to revert to weaker 2020 standards, effectively siding with industry challengers rather than defending its own rule.

These changes will face significant legal challenges from environmental groups and states. The final impact depends on how courts interpret EPA authority under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. For listeners concerned about these developments, the EPA website provides details on all proposed rules, and public comment periods offer opportunities to make your voice heard.

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The most significant headline out of the Environmental Protection Agency this week is their first quarterly public update on progress toward a permanent 100% solution for the Tijuana River sewage crisis. This landmark U.S.-Mexico initiative, announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, aims to finally end decades of coastal pollution and protect millions of Southern Californians from cross-border sewage. Zeldin assured the public, “Our mission will not be accomplished until we reach the 100% solution. Safeguarding public health and environmental integrity stands as EPA's foremost responsibility, and every American deserves confidence in the safety of the air they inhale and the recreational areas they enjoy.” The public update reflects historic progress: following a July 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, the EPA and International Boundary and Water Commission delivered a ten-million-gallon-per-day expansion of the San Diego wastewater treatment plant in just 100 days—well ahead of schedule. More construction and upgrades are slated for 2026, and both governments are finalizing a new U.S.-Mexico treaty by the end of this year, with a goal to complete all “Minute 328” projects by December 2027. According to USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh, “We are making real progress…and we will continue to monitor Mexico’s progress to make sure they also urgently complete the work they agreed to do.”

This binational approach is affecting citizens in real ways—less beach contamination means safer recreation, improved local economies, and healthier communities in the San Diego-Tijuana region. State agencies and city leaders see relief from chronic emergency closures and costly cleanups. For businesses from tourism to fisheries, certainty and clean water open new opportunities. The collaboration with Mexico stands out as a rare international win in cross-border environmental management.

Zooming out, the EPA under Administrator Zeldin and the Trump Administration has also unleashed sweeping policy changes. In the spirit of regulatory relief, the agency is actively reconsidering the scientific foundation behind regulating greenhouse gas emissions—specifically the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” which serves as the legal basis for U.S. climate policy. The EPA is proposing to roll back carbon standards for power plants and vehicles, citing a push for energy reliability and economic growth. These moves, however, have alarmed many scientists and environmental groups who warn that such rollbacks could lead to higher emissions and increased public health risks, especially for vulnerable communities.

Recent actions also include a proposed narrowing of the federal definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. Proponents like the American Farm Bureau Federation say this gives farmers and landowners much-needed clarity and reduces bureaucratic burdens. Critics caution it could leave millions of acres of wetlands unprotected.

For businesses, streamlined permitting and relaxed reporting mean immediate cost savings, particularly in energy-intensive sectors. State and local governments may see renewed authority over key resources—but also bear more responsibility for water and air quality. On the international stage, the rapid progress along the U.S.-Mexico border signals what can happen when cross-border partnerships are made a top priority.

Looking ahead, the next big milestone will be the signing of the new U.S.-Mexico “Minute” agreement by the end of 2025. Lawsuits and regulatory challenges are likely in the months to come, particularly on emissions rollbacks and clean water rules. Citizens can track EPA public updates and comment during open federal rulemaking periods at epa.gov. If you have a stake or a story—especially along the border—EPA forums and town halls welcome your voice.

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This week’s headline from Washington: The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers unveiled a major proposed rule to narrow the definition of “Waters of the United States”—an update that could dramatically reshape U.S. water protections and land use. Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA says these changes are aimed at simplifying regulations for landowners, providing regulatory clarity, and boosting economic opportunity, especially for agriculture and development interests. However, environmental advocates warn that excluding wetlands without visible surface water could strip federal protections from more than half of America’s wetlands, putting critical habitats and drinking water sources at risk.

Alongside the WOTUS proposal, Zeldin’s EPA continued its push to roll back climate-focused regulations, setting the stage for what he called the “greatest day of deregulation in U.S. history.” The agency is moving to rescind the Endangerment Finding—the cornerstone legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. If that proposal is finalized, it would also repeal emission standards for vehicles and fossil fuel power plants. Zeldin stated, “We’re putting American businesses and families first, ending rules that kill jobs and raise energy prices.” Advocates of the rollback argue these moves will reduce compliance costs, increase domestic manufacturing and energy production, and improve grid reliability. Critics, however, warn that air quality and public health could suffer, with experts noting the power sector still accounts for about 25 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

For American citizens, these changes could mean fewer federal protections for clean water and higher risks from pollutants like mercury and arsenic in local waterways. Public health impacts might follow as emission controls are loosened. Businesses, especially in energy and construction, anticipate reduced regulatory burdens and potential cost savings, while environmental groups, some states, and local governments are preparing legal challenges. The EPA’s deregulatory agenda also cuts across international climate commitments, raising questions among global partners about the strength of the United States’ environmental leadership.

Budget-wise, the EPA has signaled plans to redirect spending toward deregulation and streamlining enforcement, with new initiatives focused on boosting domestic energy output. On the program front, August saw the announcement of revised wastewater discharge rules aiming at reliability and production but raising concerns about possible pollutant spikes.

Coalitions are forming fast: Some states and environmental organizations are partnering to challenge these regulatory rollbacks in court, while several industry groups and agricultural associations are voicing strong support for the new direction. According to Clean Water Action, the narrowing of WOTUS means “millions of acres of wetlands and countless miles of streams might lose vital protection.”

The public can comment on both the WOTUS redefinition and rescinding of the Endangerment Finding until late December, with final rules and potential court decisions expected in early 2026. Upcoming deadlines and hearings are key events to watch. If you want to make your voice heard, visit the EPA’s website for details on submitting comments or attending virtual hearings.

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EPA made headlines this week as Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed the reinstatement of stricter hazardous air pollutant standards for America’s coke manufacturing sector. After a brief extension announced in July that drew heavy criticism from environmental groups, the EPA reversed course and is now requiring coke plants to comply with the tougher emissions limits—including mercury monitoring—by July 2025. Zeldin declared, “We are restoring accountability for industries, protecting the health of our communities, and supporting American steel manufacturing with cleaner, better policies.” This impacts thousands of workers and their neighborhoods, particularly those living near steel plants, who have long reported concerns over air and water quality.

That’s just one of several waves of major EPA policy changes launched under the Trump administration. Earlier this summer, the EPA issued proposals to roll back greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and reconsider the Endangerment Finding—the legislative bedrock that enabled the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. Industry groups argue these moves will save billions in compliance costs and keep electricity affordable, while critics fear they could increase pollution and undermine climate efforts. According to NZero, the power sector makes up about a quarter of US greenhouse gas emissions—so these changes will have ripple effects for American businesses, state governments, and ordinary citizens. Environmental groups and some states are gearing up for court challenges, with decisions likely to shape future regulation.

On vehicle emissions, EPA’s long-term goals—like 49 miles per gallon fuel efficiency by 2026—could be scaled back as the agency questions the scientific basis of previous standards. This could lower costs for automotive manufacturers, but may affect air quality and the nation’s climate commitments. For local governments, these federal shifts mean reevaluating infrastructure and air monitoring investments, while international partners watch closely to see if US leadership on climate remains steady.

Meanwhile, the EPA continues revising chemical reporting programs. Facilities are now required to track and report activities involving sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate, a PFAS chemical, beginning in 2026, with reports due by July 2027. The agency says this action will strengthen accountability, but manufacturers are calling for streamlined requirements. Public health advocates emphasize that tracking toxic chemicals is critical for protecting vulnerable groups.

Texas scored a win this week as the EPA granted it primary authority over Class VI wells used for carbon storage. Supporters say this streamlines carbon capture projects and could spark economic development, but some experts warn about the need for robust oversight to prevent water contamination.

For listeners wanting to weigh in, EPA has opened public comment periods on several new policy proposals, including greenhouse gas and PFAS reporting rules. If you’re concerned about how these changes could affect your health, environment, or business, now’s the time to make your voice heard. Check out EPA.gov for resources, comment portals, and further details on proposed rulemaking.

As these regulatory battles unfold, expect major updates in courtrooms, at state capitols, and across American industries in the coming months. We’ll keep tracking EPA’s next moves and how they’re shaping our air, water, and future. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

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Big news out of Washington this week: The Environmental Protection Agency has unveiled sweeping changes to its chemical reporting, emissions oversight, and enforcement priorities, continuing what Administrator Lee Zeldin is calling “the most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history.” At the heart of the week’s headlines is a proposed rule to significantly weaken the reporting requirements for PFAS—those “forever chemicals” linked to health concerns like cancer and thyroid disease. The new plan carves out six major exemptions, including finished goods imports and de minimis uses, which many businesses say will cut red tape but health advocates warn could make it harder for communities to identify, address, and respond to contamination.

For both manufacturers and article importers, the EPA’s proposal means fewer reporting obligations and a shorter submission window—just three months after the rule takes effect. The EPA says these changes make the process “more practical and implementable,” aiming to balance regulatory burden with its ability to track serious chemical risks. But labor and health groups, like those cited by The New Lede, stress that rolling back requirements threatens vulnerable workers and communities, especially in areas already facing legacy chemical pollution.

Alongside that, the EPA is doubling down on its deregulatory momentum with proposals to repeal elements of the greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and even reconsider foundational legal findings. By aiming to rescind the so-called Endangerment Finding that justified CO2 regulation, the EPA is setting up a major legal battle over whether greenhouse gases should be policed at the federal level. Utility companies and some state regulators support the move, pointing to possible lower energy costs and improved grid reliability. Yet environmental organizations and public health advocates fear this could lock in higher emissions, poor air quality, and longer-term health risks.

For state and local governments, the rule changes cut both ways. Texas was just granted primacy to oversee underground water protection, marking a shift in EPA-state partnerships and granting more autonomy, but also sparking debate about regulatory consistency nationwide. Internationally, these moves could affect U.S. standing in climate negotiations, especially if targets for reducing vehicle emissions and power plant pollution slow down. The transportation sector is still digesting EPA’s challenge to stricter fuel standards, prompting automakers to rethink future fleets and timelines for compliance.

Budget implications abound—for businesses, compliance costs could drop by billions, freeing up resources for investment. For citizens, the risks and benefits depend on where you live and what industries operate nearby. Many environmental rollbacks are now open for public comment—listeners can join the debate by submitting feedback on regulations.gov in the next 45 days for chemical rules, and watching for court rulings and legislative hearings that may reshape what gets implemented.

Next up: eyes on congressional negotiations over stalled lead pipe replacement funds, plus ongoing lawsuits that could overturn or reinforce the new EPA agenda. For those wanting to stay informed or get involved, check out the EPA’s website and keep tabs on the Federal Register for timelines and comment deadlines. If you care about how these decisions shape your air, water, and economic future, now is the time to make your voice heard.

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The top headline from the Environmental Protection Agency this week: The EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has authorized the use of the pesticide cyclobutrifluram, its first so-called “forever chemical” or PFAS pesticide, for use on golf courses, cotton, soybeans, and lettuce. This controversial decision landed just days after President Trump’s administration pushed its fifth such PFAS-related proposal, highlighting a sharp shift in U.S. chemical regulation. According to Nathan Donley at the Center for Biological Diversity, “Trump’s chemical industry cronies at the EPA are unleashing a new forever chemical to protect golf courses and poison our country while flagrantly breaking the president’s promise to make America healthy again.”

This move isn’t happening in a vacuum. Even as much of the federal government faces a historic shutdown—leading to food stamp delays, unpaid federal workers, and sweeping disruptions—the EPA’s pesticide office has remained in full swing. Agency officials argue they’re prioritizing continuity for “critical regulatory activities.” But public health groups are alarmed, especially since PFAS chemicals are known for their environmental persistence and links to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune harm.

Meanwhile, an even bigger change is roiling the EPA landscape: Administrator Zeldin has announced what’s being called the “biggest deregulatory action in US history.” In recent weeks, the agency has advanced proposals to undo key Obama- and Biden-era climate rules, including plans to repeal the landmark Endangerment Finding, which underpinned climate action by recognizing greenhouse gases as dangerous to human health. This would cascade into scrapping car and truck emission standards and scaling back regulations on fossil fuel power plants. The American Action Forum notes these changes have sparked rare bipartisan concern, with lawmakers from both parties warning that rolling back greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting and regulation could undermine both environmental progress and transparency for businesses.

Industry groups and some state regulators back the EPA’s deregulatory agenda, saying looser standards lower energy and manufacturing costs and support grid reliability. For example, the agency’s relaxing of power plant emission rules is framed by advocates as a way to “support domestic energy production.” But environmental organizations and public health experts counter that repealing these protections could lead to increases in air and water pollution. The EPA’s own data show the power sector and transportation are responsible for over half of America’s GHG emissions, underscoring the stakes for climate and health.

States and cities are scrambling to adapt; some are pursuing their own stricter standards, but many lack resources or authority. Internationally, moves like repealing the Endangerment Finding risk undermining global climate efforts and U.S. credibility at upcoming climate summits.

If you’re concerned about these changes, the EPA is inviting public comment on several proposals, including the repeal of greenhouse gas standards for vehicles and the latest science on PFAS chemicals in pesticides. Submit your feedback through the EPA’s official regulations portal—your voice can shape these major decisions. Upcoming deadlines include a 30-day window for comments on vehicle emission rules, closing in early December.

For the latest updates or to get involved, visit the EPA’s news center or your state environmental agency. Stay tuned: the agency is expected to unveil further deregulation plans affecting water protections and hazardous chemical disclosures in the weeks ahead. Thanks for joining us. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Thanks for tuning in. The biggest headline from the Environmental Protection Agency this week is the agency’s dramatic move to roll back cornerstone climate protections, kicking off what Administrator Lee Zeldin is calling the most consequential wave of deregulation in U.S. history. Just days ago, Zeldin announced that the EPA is launching 31 deregulatory actions in a single sweep—changes that could reshape everything from air quality standards to vehicle emission rules.

At the center of the news: The EPA’s formal proposal to repeal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for fossil fuel power plants and a companion rule aiming to overturn the landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding, which for over a decade has given EPA the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. If finalized, this would not only eliminate strict emissions requirements for new and existing power plants but also slash all greenhouse gas limits on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. According to an August announcement in the Federal Register, this could effectively end mandatory climate-driven regulation for nearly all major emission sources in the United States.

These proposed changes stem from President Trump’s Executive Order “Unleashing American Energy,” which directs agencies to identify and remove rules that burden domestic energy producers. The administration’s position argues that current greenhouse gas regulations represent federal government overreach and stifle American innovation. Administrator Zeldin stated, “We’re focused on empowering businesses, protecting jobs, and unleashing the full potential of American energy while maintaining sensible environmental protections.”

But this has set off a fierce national debate. Senators Whitehouse and Cramer have urged the EPA to withdraw its proposed cancellation of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, warning that halting emissions data collection will “blindfold Congress and the public” as to real climate risks. Environmental groups and scientific experts warn that weakening these protections could reverse progress on climate change and increase pollution, potentially increasing health risks, especially for vulnerable communities. According to Nature, some EPA scientists are openly worried that the reorganization of the agency—which now moves scientific staff out of dedicated research offices—could reduce scientific capacity and erode the evidentiary basis for future decision-making.

For businesses, especially in the energy and automotive sectors, the deregulation offers a reprieve from compliance costs and reporting requirements. Many industry leaders are applauding the moves as necessary to keep American manufacturers competitive globally. State and local governments, on the other hand, are scrambling to understand the long-term implications for their own air quality programs, as federal standards continue to be the baseline for much state-level regulation. Internationally, these decisions may strain U.S. credibility in climate negotiations and influence other countries’ approaches to emissions standards.

Looking ahead, all of these proposals are now open for public comment. Deadlines for major rules are in mid-December, and the EPA has indicated public hearings will be held virtually and in-person. If you have views on the agency’s plans—whether as a private citizen, business owner, or public official—now is the moment to make your voice heard.

For more information or to weigh in on pending regulations, visit the EPA’s official website at epa.gov. Stay tuned for further updates as the legal battles and policy debates unfold, shaping the future of environmental protection in America.

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Welcome back to the Quiet Please podcast, bringing you today’s biggest environmental news with real-world impact. The spotlight this week is on a sweeping move from the Environmental Protection Agency: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has unveiled a proposal to end the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a regulatory overhaul touted as one of the largest deregulatory actions in agency history. The move, announced from Washington, is expected to save businesses up to 2.4 billion dollars in compliance costs. Administrator Zeldin argues that the current greenhouse gas reporting requirements “do nothing to improve air quality” and instead bog businesses down in unnecessary bureaucracy. This proposal would lift reporting obligations from over 8,000 facilities and suppliers nationwide, except for certain petroleum and natural gas systems that will remain subject to the methane waste emissions charge beginning in 2034.

There’s another major shift in the pipeline. The EPA is advancing the repeal of pivotal greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel power plants and vehicles. The agency has started reconsidering the 2009 Endangerment Finding—the legal foundation that established greenhouse gases as a public health threat. If rescinded, the legal basis for everything from fuel efficiency standards to power plant pollution limits could vanish overnight. Critics, like environmental groups and many state governments, warn that this will cripple the nation’s fight against climate change. They point out that transportation is responsible for 29 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions, and historic fuel efficiency standards have kept both emissions and consumer costs in check.

Meanwhile, the EPA just allocated hydrofluorocarbon allowances for 2026, continuing the phase-down of these potent greenhouse gases under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. Even as other climate rules are reconsidered, this HFC phasedown sticks to the international timeline set by the Kigali Amendment, keeping the US mostly in step with global commitments.

How do these changes ripple out? For American citizens, especially those in communities near industrial hubs or fossil fuel plants, public health protections could weaken, leaving air quality oversight to state officials or even industry self-reporting—a method recently criticized by reporting from ProPublica for missing major emissions violations. For businesses, costs will drop for compliance and reporting, but companies dedicated to clean energy may now face an uneven playing field. State and local governments may need to fill regulatory gaps, potentially driving up their own environmental monitoring expenses. Internationally, allies eyeing robust US leadership on climate could see these rollbacks as America stepping back from its global commitments.

Industry advocates argue these steps will unleash economic growth and energy development. Environmental groups, public health experts, and many economists warn of long-term risks to health, climate, and innovation. Legal experts are bracing for courtroom battles; if the Endangerment Finding is rescinded, expect swift challenges arguing the EPA is abdicating its core mission.

The public comment period for the greenhouse gas reporting rollback is opening soon. EPA will post details on its website and in the Federal Register, and this is a key chance for citizens, scientists, and businesses to weigh in. Listeners can learn more and submit feedback by visiting epa.gov, where detailed fact sheets and instruction guides are available. Upcoming public meetings on hydrofluorocarbon management and AIM Act implementation are also scheduled, so keep an eye on the EPA’s events page.

As these monumental changes unfold, we’ll keep you updated on court decisions, state responses, and the ripple effects across the economy. For more information—and to let your voice be heard—visit the EPA’s online resources and consider submitting public comments if you’re concerned about these regulatory shifts.

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The biggest news from the Environmental Protection Agency this week is its sweeping move to rescind the Obama-era Endangerment Finding, the foundational legal basis that allowed the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide as threats to public health. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called it “the most significant deregulatory action in agency history,” marking a decisive turn in U.S. climate policy—one with immediate and long-term effects for industries, states, and every American household.

This proposed repeal, announced August 1 and now open for public comment, would eliminate greenhouse gas emission standards for nearly all vehicles and fossil fuel power plants. The Endangerment Finding, established in 2009, enabled tougher standards for cars and power plants and aimed to cut emissions in sectors that together account for over half of U.S. greenhouse emissions according to agency data. Supporters, such as the current Department of Energy leadership, suggest regulations based on outdated science should be re-examined, arguing this will ease compliance for manufacturing and energy and potentially lower prices for businesses and consumers. However, environmental groups and many public health experts warn that undoing the rule could severely weaken America’s ability to combat climate change and safeguard air quality.

For Americans, this could affect air pollution levels and public health outcomes, especially in urban and industrial regions. The rollback may slow the transition to cleaner vehicles, with industry advocates noting fuel efficiency rules helped raise average fleet mileage from 23.4 to nearly 40 miles per gallon since 2010. Businesses in fossil fuel production and energy foresee fewer regulatory obstacles, though automakers worry about sinking investments in newer, cleaner technologies. State and local governments—especially those in California and the Northeast—are bracing for legal fights, potentially revisiting their own rules or pursuing independent emission standards.

The EPA also released a new Residential Lead Directive, setting fresh national soil benchmarks and speeding up Superfund site cleanups. This means faster remediation for hazardous waste communities, with the EPA promising streamlined processes and stronger oversight.

Looking ahead, Administrator Zeldin emphasized that, “We are opening the door for innovation and domestic energy ambitions, letting American industry lead once again.” The Department of Energy’s new report questioning the link between greenhouse gases and climate change is open for public comment until August 31, offering a rare chance for citizens, scientists, and businesses to weigh in on the heart of EPA’s authority.

Listeners, you can engage directly by submitting feedback through the EPA’s online portal—your perspectives will help shape these major policy shifts. Public hearings are slated for late September and final decisions could arrive before the end of the year. For more, visit the EPA’s newsroom and check government platforms for updates.

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The biggest headline from the Environmental Protection Agency this week is the proposal to rescind the federal mandatory greenhouse gas reporting rule and a sweeping move to roll back Obama and Biden-era limits on emissions from fossil fuel power plants and vehicles. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described it as “the most significant day of deregulation in U.S. history,” as the agency takes steps affecting air quality, water protections, and climate change rules nationwide.

Let’s break down the key developments. First, on climate: The EPA is moving to repeal the 2015 New Source Performance Standards and the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards for both new and existing fossil fuel power plants. The agency argues these standards placed undue economic and operational burdens on energy producers, and supporters claim repealing them will lower energy costs and improve grid reliability. Critics, however, warn that the changes risk increasing pollution and undermining long-term efforts to fight climate change since the power sector contributes about a quarter of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA also proposed rolling back the Endangerment Finding, which has been the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases since 2009. If finalized, this would end federal GHG standards for vehicles and call into question future emissions regulation. The move has triggered immediate legal challenges, with environmental groups warning it could unravel over a decade of climate policy and, as one environmental law expert said this week, “gut the federal government’s ability to address climate risks.”

On chemicals, EPA is amending rules around PFAS—so-called “forever chemicals.” The agency is keeping drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, the two most studied chemicals, but is withdrawing standards on several related PFAS compounds and giving water systems more time to comply. Health groups worry this leaves some communities vulnerable, especially since EPA’s own scientists link exposure to PFAS to a range of serious health issues. However, the agency cites the need to focus compliance resources and cut red tape, especially for small water systems.

Administrative changes are also in the spotlight. Furloughs are impacting about 40% of EPA employees in New England amid the ongoing government funding impasse, potentially delaying cleanups and enforcement actions. Nationally, the Trump administration’s deregulatory push is focused on revisiting over thirty existing environmental rules, from defining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act to air toxins standards and hazardous waste disposal.

Businesses, mainly in the energy and manufacturing sectors, are likely to see reduced costs and fewer barriers to project development. State and local governments, however, may need to decide whether to keep stricter rules at the state level or follow the new federal lead. For American citizens, the impact could mean changes in air and water quality standards in their communities, so paying attention to these rule changes is critical. Internationally, these shifts send a clear signal that U.S. environmental policy is pivoting away from some of its recent climate commitments, which may complicate collaboration with other countries on climate agreements.

Looking ahead, EPA will finalize many of these proposals over the coming months, and public comment periods are open for several rules—meaning listeners can voice their opinions at regulations.gov. Key deadlines to watch include the April 2026 target for drinking water compliance and a likely rush of court challenges over vehicle emissions and air pollution rules.

For more details on these developments and how to get engaged, visit epa.gov or check out your state’s environmental agency website. Thanks for tuning in, stay informed, and don’t forget to subscribe for more environmental news that truly matters. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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