It’s no surprise that President Trump’s second term will bring big changes in environmental policies compared to the Biden Administration. This article highlights key points about Trump’s early initiatives and what we can expect from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) going forward.
During his first term, Trump loosened over 100 environmental rules. While environmental issues weren’t a major focus of his 2024 campaign, he repeatedly emphasized boosting fossil fuel production and cutting regulations. These themes appeared in documents from conservative groups like Project 2025, created by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has appointed Aaron Szabo, who contributed to Project 2025, to lead the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
Trump’s first executive orders in his second term show a clear shift. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and canceled many of Biden’s energy and climate-related orders. He even declared an “energy emergency” to fast-track energy resource approvals, specifically excluding wind and solar initiatives.
Looking ahead, the Trump Administration plans to cut EPA costs and staffing, rely more on states for environmental enforcement, and prioritize fossil fuels over renewables. They intend to review existing regulations and staffing to find ways to downsize and streamline operations.
Additionally, Trump’s EPA is likely to evaluate current enforcement cases from the EPA and Department of Justice (DOJ). Reports suggest that budget cuts and a focus on collaboration with businesses will lead to fewer enforcement actions. This aligns with the trend from his first term, where the EPA already reduced its enforcement efforts. The administration seems poised to prioritize compliance over strict enforcement, which was a key approach during Trump’s earlier time in office.
