Trump Allies Near 'Total Victory' in Wiping Out US Climate Regulation

Efforts to roll back environmental protections gain momentum under new administration.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new report indicates that allies of former President Trump are close to achieving a 'total victory' in their efforts to dismantle key US climate change regulations and environmental protections put in place over the past decade. This comes as the current administration has prioritized a pro-business, anti-regulation agenda.

Why it matters

The potential rollback of climate regulations could have significant implications for the environment, public health, and the country's ability to address the growing threat of climate change. This story highlights the ongoing political battles over the balance between economic interests and environmental protection.

The details

According to the report, Trump-allied lawmakers and industry groups have made substantial progress in repealing or weakening a range of Obama-era policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy. This includes efforts to undo vehicle emissions standards, dismantle the Clean Power Plan, and open up more federal lands and waters to fossil fuel extraction.

  • In the summer of 2022, Democrats in Congress were racing to pass climate legislation.
  • Over the past several years, the Trump administration and its allies have worked to systematically dismantle environmental regulations.

The players

Trump Administration

The former presidential administration of Donald Trump, which prioritized a pro-business, anti-regulation agenda.

Democrats in Congress

Members of the Democratic Party in the United States Congress who were working to pass climate legislation in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let the progress we've made on climate change be undone by those who put corporate interests ahead of the public good.”

— Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democratic Senator (Washington Post)

“These efforts to gut environmental protections are short-sighted and will have devastating consequences for our planet and future generations.”

— Jamie Rappaport Clark, President and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife (NPR)

What’s next

The Biden administration and congressional Democrats are expected to mount a fierce legal and legislative battle to try to preserve key climate regulations, setting up a high-stakes showdown over the future of US environmental policy.

The takeaway

This story underscores the ongoing political tug-of-war over the balance between economic interests and environmental protection, with the potential rollback of climate regulations posing significant risks to the environment and the country's ability to address the growing threat of climate change.