Welcome back to The Green Wire, where we break down the week’s most important environmental headlines. The biggest story out of the Environmental Protection Agency this week is a sweeping move to roll back Obama-era greenhouse gas regulations—an action Administrator Lee Zeldin called, quote, “a historic realignment of American environmental priorities.” On June 17, 2025, the EPA formally proposed repealing key emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants, and in August, the agency opened public comment on eliminating all greenhouse gas standards for vehicles, targeting rules first introduced in 2009 and reinforced through the 2010s.

Supporters, especially among manufacturing and energy sectors, argue that these reversals are necessary to reduce compliance costs, keep energy prices down, and bolster economic growth. According to EPA data, transportation alone accounts for nearly 29 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, so the scope of this rollback is enormous. However, many environmental and public health advocates warn that rescinding the so-called Endangerment Finding—the legal footing for regulating carbon emissions—could cripple efforts to counter climate change. Legal experts anticipate fierce litigation, given that the proposed changes would invalidate the basis for most existing carbon regulations in power, auto, and other major industries. Environmental law professor Janelle Price notes, "This could fundamentally alter not just federal but state and local climate action plans."

Meanwhile, the EPA signaled a more targeted approach to regulating PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals.” Recent court filings make clear the agency will continue designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, despite ongoing legal challenges. There’s also momentum building for tougher wastewater discharge standards on industries that manufacture PFAS, with proposed rulemaking expected by the end of 2025 and final updates anticipated for 2027.

On budget and operations, Administrator Zeldin announced the cancellation of over $29 billion in grants and an ongoing consolidation of EPA offices and resources, pointing to what he calls a “commitment to be an exceptional steward of American tax dollars.” Critics claim these cuts threaten critical programs, while supporters say the agency is finally eliminating waste.

For American citizens, these changes signal fewer federal restrictions on energy and transportation, which could mean lower costs at the pump and for utilities. On the flip side, communities concerned about air and water quality may face greater risks. For businesses, especially in manufacturing, fossil fuels, and automotive, it’s a moment of regulatory relief. State and local governments may need to take up the slack, and some are already signaling plans to adopt stricter standards at their own level. Internationally, these moves will be watched closely. The rollback of greenhouse gas rules comes as key U.S. allies press for stronger climate action, raising questions about the country’s leadership role in global environmental agreements.

Listeners who want to weigh in on these major changes can visit the EPA’s website, where public comment is open on several of the proposed rules, including those impacting greenhouse gas standards and PFAS management. Upcoming dates to watch include the public comment deadlines later this fall, as well as final decisions on the Clean Water Act and effluent guidelines for industry.

That’s the latest from The Green Wire. Thanks for tuning in. If you want more detail or to get involved, check the EPA newsroom for updates, and don’t forget—your voice matters in shaping future policy. Subscribe for next week’s breakdown of environmental news and analysis. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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