Brick building in Washington, DC with a sign saying Environmental Protection Agency.

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Trump nominates lawyer with industry ties for a top EPA role

David Fotouhi, President Trump’s pick for US Environmental Protection Agency deputy administrator, has represented companies accused of environmental pollution and worked to weaken climate and other regulations during his previous EPA tenure.

Sharon Lerner reports for ProPublica.

In short:

David Fotouhi, a lawyer who challenged the EPA's asbestos ban and defended firms accused of PFAS pollution, has been nominated as the agency's deputy administrator.
Environmentalists question Fotouhi's ability to fairly regulate due to his past advocacy for industry-friendly policies, including weakened water and coal ash standards.
Fotouhi’s nomination reflects a broader trend of Trump-era appointees with strong ties to polluting industries.

Key quote:

“Here’s a guy who wrote a very biased and one-sided attack on the EPA rule on asbestos. I would not want him to come anywhere near EPA decision-making on the asbestos rule.”

— Robert Sussman, attorney and former EPA deputy administrator

Why this matters:

Fotouhi’s track record, particularly during his tenure at the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration, has led to questions about the enforcement of regulations aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment. Concerns focus on his handling of key issues like asbestos, PFAS chemicals and water quality, all of which carry significant implications for both immediate and long-term health outcomes. Communities nationwide, especially those already burdened by environmental injustices, are watching closely to see whether protections will falter under policies that Fotouhi could influence.

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New Trump-era EPA move could let polluters dodge toxic air rules

A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy under the Trump administration may allow chemical giants to sidestep rules that limit mercury, benzene, and other hazardous pollutants — with big consequences for public health.

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

Industry groups representing ExxonMobil, Dow, Chevron, and hundreds of other chemical and petrochemical makers are lobbying the EPA for blanket exemptions from air pollution rules, citing high costs and “unworkable” timelines.
The EPA, now led by Lee Zeldin, has set up what environmental groups have called a “polluters’ portal” — an email inbox where companies can request two-year exemptions from nine Biden-era environmental rules.
Environmental groups warn that this loophole could result in increased exposure to pollutants known to cause cancer, asthma, and birth defects, especially in children.

Key quote:

“There is no basis in U.S. clean air laws — and in decency — for this absolute free pass to pollute.”

— Vickie Patton, general counsel, Environmental Defense Fund

Why this matters:

This policy could open the floodgates to more cancer-causing fumes, more neurotoxins in kids’ bodies, and more birth defects — especially in the communities that already bear the brunt of pollution. It's one in a series of major regulatory rollbacks that Zeldin has announced that have major implications for public health and well-being.

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