EPA made headlines this week as Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed the reinstatement of stricter hazardous air pollutant standards for America’s coke manufacturing sector. After a brief extension announced in July that drew heavy criticism from environmental groups, the EPA reversed course and is now requiring coke plants to comply with the tougher emissions limits—including mercury monitoring—by July 2025. Zeldin declared, “We are restoring accountability for industries, protecting the health of our communities, and supporting American steel manufacturing with cleaner, better policies.” This impacts thousands of workers and their neighborhoods, particularly those living near steel plants, who have long reported concerns over air and water quality.
That’s just one of several waves of major EPA policy changes launched under the Trump administration. Earlier this summer, the EPA issued proposals to roll back greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and reconsider the Endangerment Finding—the legislative bedrock that enabled the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. Industry groups argue these moves will save billions in compliance costs and keep electricity affordable, while critics fear they could increase pollution and undermine climate efforts. According to NZero, the power sector makes up about a quarter of US greenhouse gas emissions—so these changes will have ripple effects for American businesses, state governments, and ordinary citizens. Environmental groups and some states are gearing up for court challenges, with decisions likely to shape future regulation.
On vehicle emissions, EPA’s long-term goals—like 49 miles per gallon fuel efficiency by 2026—could be scaled back as the agency questions the scientific basis of previous standards. This could lower costs for automotive manufacturers, but may affect air quality and the nation’s climate commitments. For local governments, these federal shifts mean reevaluating infrastructure and air monitoring investments, while international partners watch closely to see if US leadership on climate remains steady.
Meanwhile, the EPA continues revising chemical reporting programs. Facilities are now required to track and report activities involving sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate, a PFAS chemical, beginning in 2026, with reports due by July 2027. The agency says this action will strengthen accountability, but manufacturers are calling for streamlined requirements. Public health advocates emphasize that tracking toxic chemicals is critical for protecting vulnerable groups.
Texas scored a win this week as the EPA granted it primary authority over Class VI wells used for carbon storage. Supporters say this streamlines carbon capture projects and could spark economic development, but some experts warn about the need for robust oversight to prevent water contamination.
For listeners wanting to weigh in, EPA has opened public comment periods on several new policy proposals, including greenhouse gas and PFAS reporting rules. If you’re concerned about how these changes could affect your health, environment, or business, now’s the time to make your voice heard. Check out EPA.gov for resources, comment portals, and further details on proposed rulemaking.
As these regulatory battles unfold, expect major updates in courtrooms, at state capitols, and across American industries in the coming months. We’ll keep tracking EPA’s next moves and how they’re shaping our air, water, and future. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!
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