Urgent Update: EPA’s Proposal to Revoke Landmark Environmental Finding Could Threaten Climate Regulations

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin suggested that President Trump’s administration should rethink an important scientific finding. This particular finding, made back in 2009, states that greenhouse gases pose a risk to public health and welfare. It forms the foundation for numerous U.S. climate regulations covering vehicles, power plants, and other pollution sources.

Zeldin’s call for revision has not been disclosed publicly but was mentioned by individuals who were briefed on the topic. When asked, an EPA spokesperson did not share details about Zeldin’s recommendation, which followed an executive order from Trump.

In other news, Elon Musk claimed that funding for Ebola prevention was mistakenly halted during the administration’s budget cuts. However, a USAID official confirmed that no new funds have been approved for the Ebola outbreak in Uganda since foreign aid was frozen January 20.

On a different note, several Democratic governors reached out to former federal workers who lost their jobs due to cutbacks in the Trump administration. They encouraged them to apply for state government positions. This initiative aims to fill vacancies in various state offices while showing support for those affected by the layoffs.

During a news conference, Senator Patty Murray criticized Trump and Musk, describing them as ‘out of touch billionaires’ who have disrupted many careers. She emphasized that many affected federal workers are veterans who have served their country with dedication.

Amid rising political tensions, a meeting between EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was suddenly canceled. While both parties cited scheduling issues, European officials felt caught off guard by the change.

In trade news, the Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as the top U.S. trade negotiator. He will oversee negotiations concerning tariffs, which economists warn could lead to higher prices and retaliatory actions from other countries. Greer previously worked on trade issues during Trump’s first term, particularly focusing on conflicts with China.

On the health front, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about a significant measles outbreak in Texas, which has resulted in at least 124 infections and one death—the first from measles in the U.S. in nearly a decade. The outbreak raises concerns about vaccination rates and public health responses.

Further complicating the situation, Senate Democrats warned that recent layoffs within health agencies could impact the modernization of the organ transplant system. They urged Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to maintain adequate staffing to fulfill commitments made during his confirmation hearings.

Lastly, former President Trump announced plans to sell ‘gold cards’—a type of visa offering a path to citizenship—for $5 million each, with hopes to generate significant financial inflow for the country. This move has sparked both interest and skepticism about its implications for immigration policy.

As these stories unfold, they continue to mold the political landscape and impact various sectors, from environmental policy to public health and international relations.