Story perspectives

Trump Administration Seeks to Roll Back Clean Air Protections

1/29/2026

Summary

Trump Rolls Back Emission Rules

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to roll back the 'Good Neighbor' rule restricting smokestack emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, would approve ozone plans from Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee.
Critics say the move could undermine federal clean air protections.
Public comments will be accepted for 30 days after publication.

Summary

Wisconsin Sets PFAS Limits

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board unanimously approved a rule aligning state PFAS limits, including PFOA and PFOS, to 4 parts per trillion.
The move follows a Trump administration EPA proposal to weaken standards.
PFAS health risks prompt calls for swift action.
Governor Tony Evers and GOP lawmakers are negotiating $132 million for PFAS contamination efforts.
The proposed rule may require legislative approval due to its potential costs.

History

Historical Context

The Clean Air Act, first enacted in 1963, underwent significant amendments in 1990, enhancing federal authority to regulate air pollutants and introducing a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide. By 1999, emissions had decreased by 30%. Recent rollbacks of regulations, such as the 'Good Neighbor' rule, echo historical challenges to environmental protections, risking public health and prompting state-level responses like Wisconsin's PFAS limits.

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Trump Rolls Back Emission Rules

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to roll back the 'Good Neighbor' rule restricting smokestack emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, would approve ozone plans from Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee.
Critics say the move could undermine federal clean air protections.
Public comments will be accepted for 30 days after publication.

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