Introduction to the Controversy
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin rolled out major rollbacks on rules meant to protect clean air and water, stoking fresh controversy in Washington and New York. New York lawmakers pushed back against the moves, warning of the danger to public health, the environment, and the economy.
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
To start, Zeldin has challenged the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, that $27 billion program is supposed to award grants for community projects and work on clean energy. "I have officially terminated these grant agreements entirely," Zeldin said.
Despite "zero reason to suspect any wrongdoing by the bank," the EPA Administrator called for ending what he called a bad deal with Citibank, which holds the account for the fund. That’s why he froze the account, containing about $20 billion in taxpayer money.
Reaction from Congressmembers
According to Zeldin, terminating that Citibank deal represents an example of his commitment to rooting out waste and abuse. He said he wants to work with the Justice Department and Inspector General to investigate the matter and return that money to the U.S. Treasury. He also said the changes will lower energy bills for American families who struggle with the high cost of living.
Some Congressmembers slammed Zeldin’s actions, saying they threaten critical funding for jobs and local development. Democrats in the Energy and Commerce Committee—including New York Reps. Paul Tonko, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Environment, and Yvette Clarke, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations—accused the new EPA head of weaponizing the Justice Department and FBI to smear the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and its awardees.
Demands for Transparency
They wrote a letter on March 11 demanding him to release that money. They also want a detailed accounting of the fund to justify freezing the Citibank account and cutting ties. They characterized Zeldin, a former Congressmember from New York, as a thief: “Without clear evidence of any wrongdoing, you are not only pursuing a politically motivated witch hunt, but also potentially violating the law, all while stealing from hardworking taxpayers.”
Rollbacks on Environmental Rules
Next, on March 12, Zeldin unveiled dozens of actions to undo rules set by the EPA under former President Joe Biden, easing limits on power plant emissions, toxic discharges, wastewater standards, and greenhouse gas reporting. Zeldin said his actions will replace a failed system with one that supports economic growth, creates jobs, and revitalizes manufacturing. "Today, the ‘Green New Scam’ ends," he said.
Impact on Public Health and the Environment
According to Zeldin, old rules stifle growth. He said he would roll back standards on air pollutants like particulate matter and toxic emissions, review limits on mercury and arsenic from power plants and factories, loosen requirements for reporting on greenhouse gases, and remove some safety restrictions on chemical plants. The EPA also plans to ease limits on oil and gas drilling wastewater. Zeldin’s office claimed this will allow new uses for treated wastewater, like cooling data centers or fighting fires.
Opposition from New York Lawmakers
Lawmakers in New York and other states have mobilized against these proposals, calling on the EPA to reverse course. Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that dismantling protections will hurt New Yorkers who depend on clean water and healthy air. She said that the state will rely on its own laws to maintain a safe environment should Zeldin’s changes advance at the federal level. Hochul said that New York will fight the rollbacks in court.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Zeldin’s rollbacks on environmental rules has sparked a heated debate between lawmakers and the EPA. While Zeldin argues that the changes will support economic growth and create jobs, Democrats and environmental groups warn that the rollbacks will have devastating consequences for public health and the environment. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the EPA will respond to the criticism and whether the changes will be implemented.
FAQs
- What is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund?
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a $27 billion program established as part of the Inflation Reduction Act to award grants for community projects and work on clean energy. - What actions has EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin taken regarding the fund?
Zeldin has terminated the grant agreements and frozen the account containing about $20 billion in taxpayer money, citing a need to investigate potential wrongdoing. - What are the proposed rollbacks on environmental rules?
The proposed rollbacks include easing limits on power plant emissions, toxic discharges, wastewater standards, and greenhouse gas reporting, as well as reviewing limits on mercury and arsenic from power plants and factories. - How have New York lawmakers responded to the proposed rollbacks?
New York lawmakers, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, have expressed opposition to the proposed rollbacks, warning that they will hurt New Yorkers who depend on clean water and healthy air. - What is the potential impact of the rollbacks on public health and the environment?
The rollbacks could have devastating consequences for public health and the environment, including increased air and water pollution, and negative impacts on communities that rely on natural resources.
