Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) News

• EPA Overhauls R&D, Cuts Climate & Environmental Regulations

  # EPA UPDATE PODCAST SCRIPTWelcome to this week's EPA Update, where we bring you the latest environmental news. I'm your host, and today we're covering the EPA's most significant recent development: a major reorganization announced on May 2nd, 2025.The Environmental Protection Agency has unveiled what they're calling "organizational improvements" that will dramatically restructure the agency's scientific research capabilities. Most notably, the Office of Research and Development, which has served as EPA's primary scientific arm since 1978, is being essentially dismantled, with its functions distributed across various offices.EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed these changes as a way to "better integrate science into agency offices" and "save at least $300 million annually for the American people." The plan includes creating a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, or OASES, though details on its specific role remain unclear.This reorganization follows earlier moves this year when the EPA terminated its Environmental Justice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion departments, affecting approximately 455 employees through transfers or a reduction in force.Scientists and former EPA officials have expressed serious concerns. Christopher Frey, a former EPA science adviser, warned that "divvying science remnants to the administrator's and policy offices is guaranteed to politicize science."These changes align with broader deregulatory actions at the EPA since March. The agency announced what it called "the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history," reviewing regulations on climate change, water protection, and air quality standards. Specific targets include the Clean Power Plan 2.0, vehicle emissions standards, and the definition of "Waters of the United States."For businesses, particularly in the energy and manufacturing sectors, these changes may mean reduced compliance costs. The EPA estimates that withdrawing oil and gas control techniques guidelines alone could save the industry $14 to $16 million between 2021 and 2035.For American citizens, the impact remains to be seen. Proponents argue these changes will foster economic growth, while critics worry about potential environmental and public health consequences.Looking ahead, watch for additional details on the EPA's restructuring plan, which officials indicated would be forthcoming. The agency is also reconsidering its entire chemical risk evaluation framework under the Toxic Substances Control Act.That's all for this week's EPA Update. I'm your host, signing off.

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• EPA Overhaul: Partnerships, Grants, and Regulatory Shifts

  [SOUND EFFECT: Brief news intro music]Welcome to Environmental Watch, your weekly podcast on America's environmental landscape. I'm your host, bringing you the latest from the EPA.This week, the Environmental Protection Agency is making headlines with Administrator Lee Zeldin announcing a significant agency reorganization. The restructuring includes creating the first-ever Office of State Air Partnerships and a new Office of Clean Air program designed to work with state, local, and tribal air permitting agencies rather than against them.In a sweeping move, the EPA is also planning to terminate nearly 800 grants awarded under the Biden administration, including all environmental justice grants. Senator Edward Markey condemned this action, calling it "a shameful abandonment of communities nationwide that are working to address generations of historical pollution and underinvestment."Meanwhile, the Senate voted along party lines to overturn an EPA rule that limits seven of the most hazardous air pollutants emitted by heavy industry. This marks the first time in the 55-year history of the Clean Air Act that Congress has moved to weaken the landmark environmental law. The resolution now moves to the Republican-led House, where it's expected to pass.The Trump administration is also undertaking a major deregulatory push, with the EPA reviewing regulations affecting energy, vehicle emissions, and industrial operations. Administrator Zeldin has announced plans to revise the definition of "waters of the United States," aiming to streamline permitting processes and reduce compliance costs.For businesses, particularly in the oil, gas, and chemical sectors, these changes could mean significant regulatory relief. The National Association of Manufacturers had previously called environmental regulations "burdensome" and "strangling our economy."For communities, especially those in frontline areas counting on environmental justice funding, the grant terminations create uncertainty. Many grantees have been forced to pay for projects out of pocket without assurance of reimbursement.Looking ahead, watch for the House vote on the Clean Air Act resolution and further announcements about EPA's reorganization implementation. The agency is also adding over 130 new employees to address backlogs in chemical and pesticide reviews.For more information on these developments, visit the EPA's official website. If you're concerned about environmental justice funding in your community, contact your representative to make your voice heard.Until next week, this is Environmental Watch, keeping you informed on the policies shaping our planet.[SOUND EFFECT: Brief outro music]

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• EPA's Deregulatory Moves Bolster AI, Tech, and Energy - Greener Future or Corporate Giveaway?

  Welcome to the latest episode of Green Brief, where we bring you the top headlines shaping America’s environment. This week, the Environmental Protection Agency set a major policy in motion: clarifying how critical power backup engines can support the surge in data centers—cementing America’s ambition to be the global leader in artificial intelligence. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed it as a foundational move to “maintain our leadership on AI” by ensuring data centers and power companies can keep systems running reliably, even during grid stress. Under the new guidance, select internal combustion engines can now legally operate up to 50 hours annually, even outside emergencies, helping bridge power shortfalls and supporting grid stability—key for data-driven industries and digital infrastructure.This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The EPA just marked its first 100 days with a whirlwind of 100 environmental actions—an unprecedented pace. These include record hazardous material cleanups after the Los Angeles wildfires, accelerated action on PFAS contamination, the removal of multiple sites from the Superfund list, and rapid, hands-on support for disaster-hit communities. On the regulatory front, the agency is rolling back or reconsidering several high-impact rules, focusing on cutting compliance burdens for industry, especially in energy and transportation. That means major reviews of rules affecting vehicle emissions, power plants, and the Clean Power Plan, with Administrator Zeldin promising to “unleash American energy, lower the cost of living, and give power back to the states.” In short, EPA leadership is rewriting the playbook on environmental oversight, emphasizing deregulation, state partnerships, and economic growth.The immediate impacts of these changes are broad. For American citizens, efforts to clean up hazardous sites and protect water directly translate into safer homes and communities. For businesses—especially tech, energy, and manufacturing—EPA’s deregulatory push reduces operational uncertainty and compliance costs. State and local governments are seeing more say in setting environmental standards, as the agency commits to “advancing cooperative federalism.” Internationally, EPA recently pressured Mexico to resolve the cross-border Tijuana River sewage crisis, showing a willingness to flex U.S. environmental muscle abroad.Administrator Zeldin sums it up: “EPA wasted no time following President Trump’s directive to pursue clean air, land, and water for all Americans,” balancing environmental stewardship with a business-friendly approach. For those with opinions or concerns, the EPA is inviting public input on several proposed rule changes, including controversial air and water standards, with comment periods now open.In the coming weeks, keep an eye on updates to vehicle emissions rules, Clean Power Plan revisions, and further deregulatory actions. For details, supporting documents, and ways to submit feedback, visit epa.gov or sign up for agency bulletins. If you care about how environmental policy shapes your health, your power bill, or your industry, now is the time to get involved and make your voice heard.

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• EPA Rolls Back Regulations, Prioritizing Jobs Over Environment - April 30, 2025

  # EPA NEWS NOW: APRIL 30, 2025Welcome to EPA News Now. I'm your host. Today we're covering the Environmental Protection Agency's most significant recent developments.The biggest headline this week: The EPA continues implementing what it calls "the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history." Since March 12th, the agency has been rolling back numerous regulations affecting energy production, vehicle emissions, and industrial operations.In a major policy shift announced last month, the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance now prohibits enforcement actions that would shut down any stage of energy production unless there's an "imminent and substantial threat to human health." This applies to everything from exploration to distribution.For coal-fired power plants, enforcement will now focus solely on imminent health threats from coal ash, stepping back from monitoring requirements that industry groups called burdensome.The EPA has also completely eliminated methane emission enforcement priorities for oil and gas facilities, a stark reversal from previous administration policies."These actions will create American jobs, including incredible progress to bring back American auto jobs," stated an EPA spokesperson in the March announcement.Several deadlines have been extended, giving industries more time to adapt:- Greenhouse gas reporting for 2024 moved from March 31st to May 30th- Comment periods extended for numerous rules including those on ethylene oxide and sewage sludge risk assessments- Implementation of trichloroethylene regulations postponed until June 20thFor businesses, these changes mean reduced compliance costs—estimated at $14 to $16 million in savings for the oil and gas industry alone through 2035.State environmental agencies will see reduced federal oversight, allowing more local control over environmental policies.But environmental groups have expressed concern about potential public health impacts, particularly in communities near industrial facilities.Looking ahead, watch for the completion of the Council on Environmental Quality's rulemaking process by April 11th, which will remove all NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations.Citizens interested in commenting on these changes can submit feedback on the interim final rule by today's deadline.For more information on these regulatory changes and how they might affect your business or community, visit the EPA's website.This is EPA News Now for April 30, 2025. Thanks for listening.

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• EPA's Largest Deregulatory Action: Trillions in Cost Savings, but Environmental Concerns Loom

  Welcome to the Environmental Watch podcast, your quick guide to what’s changing at the EPA and how it affects us all. This week’s headline: The Environmental Protection Agency has just announced the largest deregulatory action in its history—31 sweeping reforms under Administrator Lee Zeldin, all aimed at advancing President Trump’s executive orders and economic agenda.Let’s break down what that means. These reforms target regulations on greenhouse gas emissions for power plants, methane limits for oil and gas, coal plant mercury standards, and more. Zeldin says the agency’s efforts will “reduce regulatory costs by trillions of dollars and lower the cost of living on American households, making it more affordable to purchase vehicles, heat homes and operate businesses.” The EPA frames these changes under three main goals: unleashing American energy, lowering consumer costs, and returning decision-making to states.For businesses, especially in energy, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, this could mean fewer federal restrictions and a faster track for new projects. But environmental groups warn this may slow efforts to address air and water pollution. State and local governments will see more leeway to design their own standards—but that also means patchwork regulations depending on where you live, leading to potential uncertainty for companies operating across multiple states.On enforcement, the EPA now pledges not to suspend or shut down any stage of energy production unless there’s an “imminent and substantial threat to human health.” That’s a major shift from previous policies targeting methane emissions and prioritizing environmental justice. Now, enforcement will focus only on issues with the greatest immediate health risks, like hazardous air pollutants or coal ash from power plants, and even then, any action with major energy impacts must get high-level approval.For American citizens, the impact depends on where you stand. Supporters believe these moves will lower energy bills and spur job growth. Critics argue they may increase exposure to pollutants, especially in communities already facing environmental burdens. In the words of Administrator Zeldin: “We’re advancing cooperative federalism—letting states take the lead where possible, and removing unnecessary federal barriers to growth.”There’s also a policy pause at play: Several recently published rules, including new standards on certain chemicals and hazardous waste, have been delayed or sent back for review. Comment periods are being reopened on water quality definitions and air emissions rules. If you want to weigh in, now’s the time—the public can submit comments on these proposals until deadlines ranging from mid-April to August.What’s next? Watch for final decisions on greenhouse gas reporting requirements, the definition of “Waters of the United States,” and possible tweaks to the Toxic Substances Control Act implementation in the coming months. We’ll be tracking whether states step up with tighter local policies, or if legal challenges arise from environmental groups or affected communities.For more details and to participate in ongoing comment periods, head to EPA.gov. And if you’re concerned—or enthusiastic—about any of these moves, make your voice heard. The EPA is actively soliciting public feedback, and these decisions will shape America’s environmental and economic future.That’s it for this week’s Environmental Watch. Stay tuned for the latest updates, and remember: informed voices make a difference.

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