On January 10, the federal government announced it would no longer prioritize saving lives by reducing air pollution. This decision struck a chord with Sonya Sanders from South Philadelphia. She recalled a terrifying moment seven years ago when a nearby fossil fuel facility exploded, sending toxic smoke over a million people and rattling windows across the city.
But it’s not just dramatic incidents that concern her. Everyday struggles, like rising asthma cases among children, haunt her community. Kids in her neighborhood often reach for inhalers, gasping for air after walking home along busy, polluted streets. Asthma rates for Philadelphia children are over three times the national average, largely driven by pollution from local industries.
Worryingly, Black children in particular face four times the hospitalization rates for asthma compared to their white peers. This alarming trend links closely to the increasing pollution levels from factories and highways surrounding the city.
Recently, the Trump administration shifted its focus away from health impacts caused by air pollution. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will still recognize health effects from pollution, it won’t factor these into its evaluations of how much pollution businesses can pump into the air.
“It’s appalling,” said Sanders, an advocate with Philly Thrive, a local environmental group. “They seem to prioritize profits over people’s health.” She believes these changes will make life harder for vulnerable communities like hers.
In early 2026, the Trump administration made several moves harmful to public health. The same week the EPA announced it would stop calculating health benefits of pollution standards, the U.S. withdrew from a United Nations climate treaty. This treaty, signed by 195 nations, aimed to combat climate change globally and support vulnerable communities against natural disasters.
“This withdrawal will also harm American citizens,” warned Mohamed Adow, director of the climate think tank Power Shift Africa. He explained that the U.S. risks isolation from global efforts to tackle climate issues. “Ignoring international climate frameworks makes it harder for the U.S. to cope with climate challenges,” he added.
This shift also poses a greater threat to Black Americans, as it leads to more industrial projects without careful consideration of community impacts. Fast-tracked permits for projects like pipelines often land in already burdened neighborhoods. These developments not only lock in fossil fuel reliance but also escalate local pollution levels.
Sanders and her group previously used health data to successfully advocate against new fossil fuel infrastructure. Initially, the government calculated that every dollar spent on reducing pollution saved $77 in health benefits. This vital metric helped make strides in cutting down air pollution in Philadelphia. However, the new rules mean these benefits are now considered worthless, propelling faster construction of polluting facilities.
Heather Toney, executive director of Beyond Petrochemicals, expressed concern: “We’re seeing a blatant disregard for the lives these pollution rules aim to protect.” Studies show that Black Americans are three times more likely to die from pollution than white Americans, emphasizing the urgent need for health-focused policies.
Historically, the U.S. has been the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 25% of all pollution since the 1800s, despite having only 4% of the global population. This legacy has far-reaching effects on climate change and environmental justice around the world.
Residents like Sanders are increasingly motivated to fight back against harmful practices. “We won’t stop pushing until our voices are heard and our health improves,” she vowed.
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Donald Trump,EPA,Philadelphia
