EPA Reinforces Key Air Pollution Regulation Reversed Under Trump

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently fortified a significant rule aimed at curbing toxic air emissions from major industrial sources, reversing a rollback initiated by the former administration. This move marks a significant reinstatement of the “Once In, Always In” policy, which mandates stringent Pollution controls for facilities that are major contributors to hazardous air contaminants.

Source: NBC News/YouTube

Originally established in 1995 during President Bill Clinton’s tenure, the policy targets facilities emitting over 10 tons of a single hazardous air pollutant or 25 tons of multiple pollutants annually. Such pollutants include carcinogens like arsenic and benzene, exposure to which can lead to serious health issues including cancer, particularly leukemia, as well as neurological effects like dizziness and unconsciousness.

The policy was rescinded in 2020 under former President Donald Trump, a move that allowed nearly 4,000 industrial operations to potentially increase their emissions, according to environmental law organization Earthjustice. This change was met with substantial criticism from environmental and public health advocates who highlighted the disproportionate impact of Pollution on marginalized communities residing near such facilities.

The EPA’s recent update does not completely revert to the original Clinton-era framework. Facilities can now potentially be reclassified if their emissions decrease, but they must still adhere to rigorous standards for managing toxic pollutants. This nuanced approach aims to balance regulatory control with industrial flexibility, addressing concerns from both environmental groups and industry representatives.

Industry responses have been mixed. The National Association of Manufacturers acknowledged the EPA’s attempt at compromise but criticized the regulation for what it views as regulatory overreach and potential impacts on economic growth and manufacturing investments.

Environmental advocates, however, have lauded the EPA’s decision as a critical step towards cleaner air and public health protection. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, emphasized the rule’s importance for ensuring that all Americans, particularly those living near major polluters, have access to clean air that does not jeopardize their health.

This reinforcement of the “Once In, Always In” rule by the EPA underscores ongoing efforts to manage environmental health risks and regulate industrial Pollution, reflecting the administration’s broader environmental and public health priorities.

Please sign this petition to Tell Starbucks to Revoke Its Private Jet Offer to Its CEO and Support Sustainable Practices!

Related Content:

• Air Pollution Linked to Increased Thunderstorm and Lightning Activity, Study Reveals
• 8 Ways Air Pollution Contributes to Cancer Development
• Wildfire Smoke May Be Harming Our Brains More Than Other Air Pollution
• Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure Significantly Increases Psoriasis Risk
• A Comprehensive Study Shows Disparities in Air Pollution Exposure

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!