Trump’s EPA Invites Power Companies to Circumvent Clean Air Limits through Presidential Exemption

The Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already proposed repealing a host of basic rules controlling air pollution. Now, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has invited power companies to skip the wait by applying via email for a presidential exemption from pollution controls in the meantime. Does anyone doubt that the rubber stamp is already inked up in the Oval Office?

The invitation applies to power companies seeking exemptions from even well-established limits like mercury pollution, long conclusively established as a special risk for children of lasting brain and other neurological damage. It also applies to more than 200 chemical plants nationwide that are being required to reduce emissions of cancer-causing chemicals considered a special risk to downwind poor communities.

This Action Could Expose Millions to Toxic Pollution

Clean air and public health advocates swiftly blasted the EPA action. “EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s action is an extreme and improper abuse of Clean Air Act authorities that only allow for exemptions from vital pollution protections in very narrow circumstances,” said Environmental Defense Fund’s General Counsel Vickie Patton. “This is a Trump EPA-led effort to evade established limits on toxic pollution that protect millions of people across the U.S.” 

Historically, special presidential exemptions to EPA protections are rare, made transparent through a public decision-making process, and issued after a showing that the necessary technology to meet the standard is not yet available.  None of that is taking place under Zeldin’s new action. Instead, his action could delay critical pollution controls for years with little transparency or clear criteria for review of the action.

This presents a plain invitation to abuse by companies who care less about human health than their short-term profits, and by a pro-polluter president who cares even less.

Protections Through the State

Actions like these are why our work at NCLCV is so important. Through our work at the state level, we help keep you informed of which candidates for statewide and legislative offices will support strong environmental protections—and when you need to contact your elected representatives to remind them that you’re watching.