regulatory rollbacks
Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States/https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/justices.aspx
After Supreme Court ruling, judges take the lead on environmental regulation
In a landmark shift, the Supreme Court's recent decision hands over the authority to regulate environmental issues from federal agencies to judges, stirring debates about expertise and regulatory power.
In short:
- The Supreme Court ended the Chevron deference, which allowed experts in federal agencies to make regulatory decisions.
- Senate Democrats introduced a bill to restore agency power, emphasizing worker safety and environmental protections.
- Legal experts warn that judges' lack of scientific expertise could lead to flawed decisions on complex environmental issues.
Key quote:
“Air emissions, federal lands, federal lands offshore, PFAS cases, perchlorate cases, all of those, I think, might be in jeopardy."
— David Vladeck, professor at Georgetown University Law Center
Why this matters:
The Supreme Court's latest ruling has shifted the balance of power from scientists to judges when it comes to environmental regulation. This game-changing decision means that instead of the nation's top scientists calling the shots on policies to protect our air, water, and health, it's now up to the judiciary to make the big calls. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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Conservatives plan rollback of environmental protections under second Trump term
If Donald Trump wins re-election, Project 2025 has a detailed plan to reshape federal environmental policies.
Michelle Nijhuis and Erin X. Wong report for High Country News.
In short:
- Project 2025 proposes significant reductions in federal environmental protections and workforce.
- The plan includes expanding oil and gas leases and reviving the "Trump-era Energy Dominance Agenda."
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could see major staff cuts and office closures, impacting its ability to enforce environmental laws.
Key quote:
"We must go to work on Day One to deconstruct the Administrative state."
— Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise
Why this matters:
Project 2025 is a conservative blueprint aiming to overhaul public lands, water, and wildlife protections if Trump gets another shot at the White House. It's not just about loosening a few regulations; it's a full-on demolition of decades of progress in conservation. Read more: A western rebellion comes of age. And rage.
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Credit: Elvert Barnes/Flickr
A blueprint for reshaping climate regulations under a second Trump administration
The Project 2025 plan outlines a conservative vision for dismantling EPA climate regulations if Trump returns to the White House.
In short:
- Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, details how a second Trump term could weaken the EPA and reshape climate regulations.
- The plan includes reducing industries required to report greenhouse gas emissions and reviving policies from Trump's first term.
- Transparency and cost-benefit analysis are central themes, aiming to limit EPA's regulatory reach.
Key quote:
“The biggest difference is we have a plan from Day One, we’re going to start implementing it, and we won’t be as susceptible to process problems that really sunk a couple of those final regulatory proposals and actions we took at the tail end of the administration.”
— Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA chief of staff
Why this matters:
Project 2025 is not just a high-level manifesto; it's a step-by-step guide to neutering the EPA and rolling back climate regulations that took years to put in place. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Jim Inhofe, climate change denier, dies at 89
Former Senator Jim Inhofe, a staunch opponent of climate science, has passed away at 89 after a stroke.
Alex Guillén, Josh Siegel, Annie Snider, and Ben Lefebvre report for Politico.
In short:
- Jim Inhofe, a long-serving senator from Oklahoma, died at 89 after a stroke. He was known for his fierce opposition to climate change science.
- Inhofe held significant influence over environmental policy, chairing the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
- He was a key figure in appointing Trump-era EPA administrators and worked to roll back Obama-era environmental regulations.
Key quote:
“Jim is a climate change denier. He is really, really conservative, but you know what, he is a decent guy and I like him, and he and I are friends.”
— Senator Bernie Sanders, (D) Vermont
Why this matters:
Jim Inhofe's passing marks the end of an era in American politics, but the debates he fueled will undoubtedly persist as the nation and the world strive to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Read more in Peter Dykstra's essay: Happy birthday, Senator Inhofe!
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Credit: Proxima Studio/BigStock Photo ID: 228210421
Conservative judges undermine environmental regulations
Several recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court pose significant challenges to the government's ability to combat climate change and pollution for years to come.
In short:
- Recent Supreme Court rulings restrict the Environmental Protection Agency's power to enforce air and water pollution regulations.
- The court overturned the Chevron doctrine, limiting federal agencies' authority to regulate critical areas, including the environment.
- The court also put a hold on an EPA plan to reduce industrial air pollution that drifts across state lines to downwind states.
- These decisions reflect a concerted campaign by industry and conservative groups to weaken the administrative state and the EPA.
Key quote:
“They had a knife before; they have a chain saw now.”
— Sam Sankar, senior vice president for programs at the environmental lawfirm Earthjustice
Why this matters:
These rulings hinder efforts to address climate change, potentially worsening health outcomes by allowing increased pollution and environmental degradation. The decisions could influence U.S. climate policy for decades, especially if conservative judges continue to dominate the judiciary. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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Newsletter
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Trump rallies GOP against Biden's energy policies
In a rally with GOP senators, Trump criticized Biden's energy policies and electric vehicle mandates, emphasizing a high-level vision for his potential second term without delving into specific policy reversals.
In short:
- Trump reiterated his "drill baby drill" stance and criticized Biden's energy policies, including mandates for electric vehicles.
- GOP senators mentioned Trump's focus was on broad vision rather than detailed policy plans, avoiding specifics on repealing the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Democrats emphasize the potential negative impact of GOP plans to repeal the IRA, highlighting risks to climate change efforts and related investments.
Key quote:
“I take it very seriously they will go into the Inflation Reduction Act and stop every aspect of it they possibly can that has to do with climate change.”
— Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Why this matters:
Trump's energy stance highlights a major policy divide as the GOP prepares for upcoming elections, with potential implications for climate change policies and economic impacts related to energy costs. Read more: As the nation reels, Trump Administration continues environmental policy rollbacks.
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States navigate wetland protections in wake of Supreme Court decision
Following a Supreme Court ruling that removed federal protections for many wetlands, states are now divided on how to respond, with some enhancing protections and others rolling them back.
In short:
- The ruling has led to a varied response among states, with blue states like Illinois seeking to bolster wetland protections, while red states, including Indiana, are reducing safeguards.
- The absence of federal oversight leaves over half of the nation's wetlands vulnerable, impacting water quality and flood management.
- States without prior regulations or those rolling back existing ones face criticism for undermining environmental protections and public health.
Key quote:
"It creates a checkered landscape in terms of water quality."
— Marla Stelk, executive director of the National Association of Wetland Managers
Why this matters:
A patchwork approach to wetlands protections in the absence of a coherent federal policy tied to the Clean Water Act poses risks to water quality and public health. Read more on the Trump administration's attack on water protections: Derrick Z. Jackson: EPA’s new water rule is a mockery of science and the Clean Water Act.
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