Story perspectives

Trump Administration Sets Life Value to Zero, Threatens Pollution Standards

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency has updated its policies on industrial pollution by setting the value of a statistical life to zero, undermining cost-benefit analyses for ozone and fine particulate matter.
The move could weaken standards and reverse gains since the Clean Air Act of 1970.
Environmental economist Michael Greenstone warns the decision prioritizes corporate interests over public health.
The change signals broader realignment in U.S. regulatory policy.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency has updated its policies on industrial pollution by setting the value of a statistical life to zero, undermining cost-benefit analyses for ozone and fine particulate matter.
The move could weaken standards and reverse gains since the Clean Air Act of 1970.
Environmental economist Michael Greenstone warns the decision prioritizes corporate interests over public health.
The change signals broader realignment in U.S. regulatory policy.