The climate change agenda in the United States is facing serious reversals. Under the Trump administration, several major environmental policies are being reevaluated, weakened, or entirely rolled back. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congress, and the White House have all taken actions that, collectively, signal a significant departure from the climate policies of previous administrations.
Based on reports from C-SPAN’s Washington Journal with Rep. Bruce Westerman, and multiple CBS News segments reported by Tracy Wholf and others, here are 15 key ways these changes are unfolding – and what they could mean going forward.
1. 31 Environmental Rules Slated for Removal
One of the most sweeping actions by the Trump administration is the planned rollback of 31 key environmental regulations, as reported by CBS Mornings. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proudly declared this campaign as the “largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.” The list of regulations on the chopping block spans multiple sectors, including emissions standards, water safety, air pollution controls, and energy industry oversight.
The rationale, according to the administration, is to remove what they call “burdensome rules” that restrict business growth and innovation. But critics see this as a devastating reversal that threatens to undo years of hard-earned environmental protections. By dismantling such a broad set of regulations, the EPA risks weakening its own ability to monitor pollutants, enforce accountability, and guard against long-term ecological and health risks. It’s not just a bureaucratic shift – it’s a structural redefinition of how the country handles its environmental responsibilities.
2. Revisiting the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
The 2009 Endangerment Finding by the EPA is one of the most important legal tools in climate regulation. It established that greenhouse gases pose a direct threat to public health, giving the agency the authority to regulate these emissions under the Clean Air Act. Now, as revealed by CBS News reporter Tracy Wholf, the Trump administration is actively reviewing this finding with the possibility of revoking or weakening it.
During his first term, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the EPA to reassess the finding. While no final decision was made then, sources suggest a more aggressive approach is now underway. If revoked, the federal government would lose its clearest legal path to limit emissions from vehicles, factories, and power plants. The finding is the foundation of climate law in the U.S. – removing it could unravel the entire regulatory framework built to combat climate change.
3. Potential Layoffs of Up to 75% at EPA Research Arm
According to CBS News host Lindsey Reiser, the EPA is preparing for an enormous reduction in its workforce – as much as 75% of staff in the agency’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) may be laid off. Former EPA official Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, who once led that division, warned that such deep cuts would lead to the loss of “a wealth of scientific expertise.”
ORD plays a central role in providing the science behind environmental decision-making. It supports everything from chemical safety to climate modeling and disaster response. If slashed, this would cripple the agency’s capacity to conduct environmental research, test pollutants, and guide policy using credible scientific evidence. The long-term effects of such a loss could result in slower responses to emergencies and increased risks to both human health and ecological stability.
4. Closure of the Environmental Justice Division
In another dramatic move, the Trump EPA announced its intent to shut down the Environmental Justice Division, as reported by CBS Mornings. This office was specifically designed to serve marginalized communities – primarily low-income and minority populations who are often disproportionately affected by pollution and industrial waste.
For decades, this division has worked to reduce environmental harm in vulnerable neighborhoods, ensuring that public health protections reach everyone, not just affluent communities. The loss of this division would mean the erosion of targeted protections for groups that have historically been overlooked or exploited. Critics argue that this decision undermines decades of progress and sends a troubling message: that environmental justice is no longer a priority for the federal government.
5. Sharp Reductions in the EPA Budget
Budget cuts have become another major front in the Trump administration’s climate rollback. CBS News confirmed that during a cabinet meeting, President Trump proposed a 65% cut to the EPA – either in terms of workforce or spending. White House spokespeople later clarified that the intended cut was to the agency’s spending, not personnel, but the impact would still be staggering.
A cut of that magnitude would render many core EPA functions inoperable. The agency is responsible for enforcing the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and dozens of other statutes. A 65% budget reduction would severely limit the EPA’s capacity to inspect facilities, prosecute polluters, fund cleanup projects, and provide grants to states. It’s not just a matter of trimming waste – it’s a fundamental shift in how much environmental oversight the federal government is willing to fund.
6. Weakened Air and Water Quality Standards
Among the 31 rollback targets are national standards for clean air and safe water, according to CBS News climate correspondent Tracy Wholf. These standards are not just technical guidelines – they’re lifesaving protections. Over the years, they’ve led to measurable improvements in public health, such as reduced asthma rates and lower contamination in drinking water.
Rolling them back could result in increased exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, particularly in urban and industrial regions. Without strict federal oversight, states could adopt weaker rules or fail to enforce them altogether. This would likely widen the gap between protected and unprotected communities, and increase the risk of diseases linked to dirty air and tainted water – especially for children and the elderly.
7. Relaxing Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements
The Trump administration is also targeting the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a federal rule requiring companies to report how much carbon and other emissions they produce annually. CBS Mornings reported that this requirement is being framed as “burdensome” and is now under reconsideration by the EPA.
The reporting program helps track emissions trends and ensures that companies are honest about their environmental impact. Without it, the public and regulators would have less transparency about who’s polluting and by how much. Opponents say this change is like turning off the headlights while driving at night – you can’t solve a problem if you can’t see it clearly. Losing this data would blind the nation’s ability to track progress on emissions reductions.
8. Rollback of Electric Vehicle Mandates
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a symbol of the shift toward clean transportation. But as C-SPAN’s Mimi Geerges discussed with Rep. Bruce Westerman, the Trump administration wants to end both EV mandates and federal tax incentives for electric car purchases. Westerman argued that even if every gasoline-powered car in the U.S. were replaced by an EV overnight, it would reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by less than 1%.
While that statistic is debated, the administration’s position is that EVs should compete without government support. Critics say this ignores the broader picture – EV technology is still maturing and needs early-stage incentives to scale up. Removing subsidies and mandates could slow down the transition to cleaner transportation, especially when other countries like China are investing heavily in EV infrastructure.
9. Increased Leasing for Oil and Gas Drilling
One of the cornerstones of the Trump administration’s energy policy, as described by Rep. Bruce Westerman on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, is the push for increased oil and gas development on federal lands. This strategy is framed as a response to what President Trump has called a “national energy emergency.” The administration wants to open up more public land for drilling, aiming to boost domestic production, reduce energy costs, and maintain U.S. energy independence.
While this approach may offer short-term economic gains and job creation, environmentalists warn that it poses serious long-term consequences. Expanded drilling often leads to habitat loss, water contamination, and increased carbon emissions. Federal lands are often ecologically sensitive areas that also serve as critical buffers against climate change. By prioritizing energy production over conservation, critics argue that the administration is sacrificing natural resources for immediate economic benefits.
10. Stripping Regulations on Wastewater and Coal Plants
Another major rollback involves regulations that govern wastewater discharge and emissions from coal-fired power plants, according to CBS News. These rules are designed to limit the amount of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and greenhouse gases released into the environment. Under the new EPA direction, these protections are being either weakened or eliminated altogether.
Coal plants are among the largest contributors to air and water pollution in the U.S. Deregulating them could result in increased levels of mercury, arsenic, and sulfur dioxide being released into waterways and the atmosphere. For communities living near these facilities, the risks are especially acute – rising asthma rates, contaminated drinking water, and higher cancer risk. Rolling back these rules not only endangers public health but also runs counter to global trends of phasing out coal in favor of cleaner energy alternatives.
11. Reframing the EPA’s Mission Around Deregulation
In a revealing observation from CBS Mornings, environmental correspondent David Schechter noted that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has repeatedly emphasized reducing burdens on businesses rather than protecting the environment. In public remarks, Zeldin has promoted what he calls a new approach: “collaboration rather than regulation.” This marks a significant shift from the EPA’s traditional role as an environmental watchdog.
Critics argue that this reframing dilutes the EPA’s power and responsibility. If the agency prioritizes industry partnerships over enforcement, its ability to respond to pollution, prevent environmental damage, and hold companies accountable may be seriously compromised. While cooperation with industry can be valuable, completely redefining the agency’s mission around deregulation risks leaving the environment – and public health – unprotected.
12. Public Health at Risk, Experts Warn
The potential consequences of these climate and environmental rollbacks are not abstract – they directly affect public health, especially in frontline communities. In her CBS News interview, Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta explained that weakening the EPA’s scientific infrastructure and repealing regulations will lead to slower response times during environmental crises, fewer protections against hazardous exposures, and more frequent public health emergencies.
Environmental protections like clean air and safe drinking water are closely tied to health outcomes, especially for children, the elderly, and people with preexisting conditions. Without strong safeguards and enforcement, people will breathe more polluted air, drink dirtier water, and live with higher exposure to industrial toxins. As these changes roll out, health experts worry we’ll start to see the real impact – in hospitals, schools, and homes across the country.
13. Legal Uncertainty Ahead for Many Rollbacks
Although the Trump administration has announced a bold agenda of deregulation, many of these rollbacks are likely to face legal battles, as explained by CBS News climate correspondent Tracy Wholf. Environmental organizations, state attorneys general, and advocacy groups are already preparing lawsuits to block or delay several of the actions.
Because many of the targeted policies are rooted in long-standing laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, the administration will need strong legal arguments to justify changing or removing them. Court challenges could take years to resolve, and even if the Trump administration moves quickly, outcomes may not be finalized until after the next election cycle. The legal process could serve as a critical check on how far these rollbacks go.
14. Energy Over Environment: A Shift in Priorities
Throughout the C-SPAN interview, Rep. Westerman repeatedly emphasized the need for “affordable and reliable energy,” often placing it above environmental protection. He argued that the U.S. should adopt an “all-of-the-above” strategy, including fossil fuels, to remain competitive globally – especially with China building dozens of coal-fired plants. He connected energy development not just to economics, but to national security, suggesting that energy exports help counter adversaries like Russia and Iran.
While this framing has its supporters, it also highlights a significant philosophical shift: that climate concerns are taking a backseat to energy production. Environmentalists argue that this focus misses the bigger picture – unchecked fossil fuel development contributes to the very problems that threaten global stability, including extreme weather, food insecurity, and climate migration.
15. Climate Change Framed as Political, Not Scientific
Finally, one of the most concerning trends emerging from all five sources is how climate change is increasingly treated as a political issue rather than a scientific one. As Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta put it in her CBS News interview, climate has become a “political football.” Decisions about emissions, regulations, and clean energy are being driven by ideology rather than evidence, despite overwhelming scientific consensus on the threats of global warming.
This politicization makes it harder to craft effective, long-term solutions. It also creates confusion among the public, weakens trust in institutions, and slows progress at a time when climate scientists warn we have only a narrow window to act. Treating climate policy like a partisan battleground risks leaving future generations with far fewer options – and much greater consequences.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
What stands out in all of this is not just the volume of changes, but the speed and scope. These rollbacks aren’t just tweaking the rules – they’re tearing out major pillars of U.S. climate policy. Each rollback might seem small in isolation, but together they paint a clear picture of reversal.
The fact that the EPA’s own research division is facing steep layoffs is particularly troubling. This isn’t just about budgets – it’s about removing the scientific foundation that supports environmental protection. Without that backbone, policy decisions risk becoming purely political.
The Forgotten Role of Environmental Justice
The planned closure of the Environmental Justice Division deserves special attention. This office was created to protect communities that have long suffered from pollution, neglect, and health risks. By removing it, the administration is signaling a shift away from equity and toward a one-size-fits-all approach – despite the fact that not all communities face the same environmental challenges.
It’s hard to deny the scale of what’s happening. With 31 regulations targeted, critical EPA programs under threat, and core climate laws on the chopping block, the U.S. climate change agenda is being reshaped from the ground up. Whether this will lead to innovation and economic growth, or environmental and public health fallout, remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the direction is changing fast. And the rest of the world is watching.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.