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EPA Cuts Value of Life in Air Pollution Rules

4/2/2026

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Story summary
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised its evaluation of air pollution rules by eliminating the value of a statistical life, once $11.7 million per person.
  • This change assigns a $0 market value to human lives in regulatory decisions.
  • Critics say the shift, influenced by the Trump administration, undercuts health benefits in cost-benefit analyses.
  • Experts warn the move could raise pollution and reverse progress since the 1970 Clean Air Act.