Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US government has rapidly moved to dismantle federal spending on climate change initiatives.
An EPA spokesperson stated: “As part of this reconsideration, EPA is developing a proposed rule.” The proposal, first reported by the New York Times, suggests that emissions from these power plants have a minimal and decreasing role in global pollution and climate change. It argues that eliminating these emissions would not significantly affect public health or welfare.
In contrast, the United Nations highlights fossil fuels as the primary driver of global warming, accounting for over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. The EPA’s draft proposal focuses on adjusting regulations to balance energy production and economic considerations.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce federal climate-related spending and regulations, prioritizing support for the oil, gas, and mining sectors. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a tax and spending bill that could eliminate various renewable energy subsidies. This package targets funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, established under former President Joe Biden, and aims to cancel grants for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, including those for electric heavy-duty vehicles.
The EPA’s proposed rule reflects a shift in regulatory priorities, focusing on energy affordability and domestic production. The agency’s review process will determine the final scope of the regulation, which seeks to address concerns about the economic impact of previous environmental policies while maintaining energy reliability.
