EPA Enforcement Declines Under Trump, Raising Public Health Concerns

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has faced significant changes under the Trump administration, including the rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and a sharp decrease in legal actions against alleged polluters. This erosion of EPA enforcement has raised concerns among experts about the potential public health risks, as regulations are based on scientific evidence and aim to protect vulnerable communities from the harms of pollution and environmental degradation.

Why it matters

The weakening of EPA enforcement and environmental regulations threatens to undermine public health protections, particularly for marginalized communities that often bear the brunt of environmental hazards. Without robust oversight and enforcement, companies may be more inclined to prioritize profits over safety, putting the public at risk.

The details

The EPA has followed through on its plan to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which had formed the basis for many rules and decisions related to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, legal actions initiated by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA against alleged polluters have sharply decreased. This is particularly concerning for the enforcement of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which gives the EPA direct authority to control hazardous waste, unlike the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, which delegate more authority to state agencies.

• The EPA rescinded the 2009 Endangerment Finding in early 2026.
• Legal actions initiated by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA against alleged polluters have sharply decreased in recent years.