JUST IN: Lee Zeldin Takes Sledgehammer To EPA Regulations: ‘Today, The Green New Scam Ends’

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday that it is rolling back a sweeping array of regulations enacted during the Biden administration, marking what officials are calling “the greatest day of deregulation in American history.” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in an address, declared an end to what he described as burdensome environmental policies that have stifled economic growth and energy independence.

“Today, I’m pleased to make the largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history,” Zeldin said. “The Environmental Protection Agency is initiating 31 historic actions to fulfill President Trump’s promise to unleash American energy, revitalize our auto industry, restore the rule of law, and give power back to the states.”

The sweeping actions target a host of environmental rules, including the Biden administration’s Clean Power Plan 2.0, Mercury and Air Toxic Standards, Particulate Matter 2.5 regulations, light, medium, and heavy vehicle emissions standards, and the so-called “social cost of carbon.” According to Zeldin, these regulations have placed unnecessary restrictions on industries and increased costs for consumers.

“Our actions will lower the cost of living by making it more affordable to purchase a car, heat your home, and operate a business,” Zeldin continued. “Jobs will be created, especially in the U.S. auto industry, and our nation will become stronger for it.”

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One of the most significant reversals includes the reconsideration of the controversial 2009 endangerment finding, which classified greenhouse gases as a public health threat and served as the foundation for numerous climate-related regulations. Zeldin took direct aim at what he called the “climate change religion” that has dictated policy for over a decade, asserting that the agency will now adhere strictly to the U.S. Constitution and existing laws without what he called “ideological overreach.”

“I’ve been told the endangerment finding is considered the holy grail of the climate change religion. For me, the U.S. Constitution and the laws of this nation will be strictly interpreted and followed—no exceptions,” he said.

Zeldin stressed that the deregulatory push aligns with President Trump’s vision of restoring American energy dominance. The administration has argued that these policies will lower energy costs, stimulate domestic manufacturing, and create jobs, particularly in the auto and energy sectors.

“From the campaign trail to day one and beyond, President Trump has delivered on his promise to unleash energy dominance and lower the cost of living. We at EPA will do our part to power the great American comeback,” Zeldin concluded.

January 16, 2025 – Washington DC: The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works examines the nomination of Lee Zeldin for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Zeldin is serving as the Administrator of the EPA. He was sworn in on January 29. Prior to his role, Zeldin represented New York’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. He was also the Republican nominee in the 2022 New York gubernatorial election.

Under new energy policies, the agency will reconsider restrictions on power plants, oil and gas production, coal-fired plants, and greenhouse gas reporting, aiming to boost domestic energy production and reduce regulatory costs.

For lowering costs, the EPA will reassess vehicle emissions rules tied to the electric vehicle push, the Endangerment Finding, and other regulations that increased costs for manufacturing, food, and energy. It will also dismantle the Biden administration’s Environmental Justice and DEI initiatives.

Regarding federalism, the EPA will revoke the “Good Neighbor Plan,” collaborate with states and tribes on implementation plans, reform advisory committees, and revise regulations affecting coal ash and disaster recovery efforts.