There is going to be a change in governance in the new administration in Washington D.C., likely, a significant change. Environmental protection will look very different than it did under the Biden Administration. President Trump’s cooperative federalism approach or something similar may be on deck. Certainly, it will not be a continuation of command and control that has been the hallmark of President Biden’s term.
The President of the United States is responsible for making thousands of appointments in their administration. Arguably, the appointments are as consequential (or more) than who sits in the Oval Office. Some of these appointments are more visible and consequential, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Biden’s Approach to Environmental Protection
Over the past few years, we have covered the aggressive environmental regulatory approach of the Biden administration. President Biden has heavily focused on climate change and environmental justice, using the “whole of government” to implement these initiatives.
There has also been a substantial expansion of environmental regulations. For example, The Clean Water Act – Facility Response Plans, various regulations to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, The Clean Air Act – Risk Management Plans, Security and Exchange Commission – Climate Disclosure, and more (See A Slew of Major Environmental Regulations).
President Biden may make a push to pass more legislation and quickly distribute grant funding to advance his agenda before leaving office. Inside EPA (paywall protected) wrote, “Environmentalists are pushing the Biden administration to take a series of actions in its final months to advance climate policy before the incoming Trump administration takes office in late January, including adopting key EPA rules and other policies, curbing gas exports, speeding disbursement of clean energy funds and other steps.”
Trump’s Approach to Environmental Protection
During his first term, President Trump focused on reducing the regulatory burden across the federal government. He directed agencies to remove two regulations for every one issued. We may see a similar approach.
In a post-election blog, Beverage and Diamond stated they believe President-elect Trump will likely bring a “significant shift” in environmental law and policy.
“…expect the Trump administration, upon taking office, to immediately issue a directive withdrawing pending regulations that are not yet published in the Federal Register, including final rules awaiting publication, or defer the effective dates of recently published regulations. The Trump administration will also quickly rescind Biden executive orders and issue new executive orders consistent with Trump’s policy priorities.”
“Anticipate aggressive action by the Trump administration to roll back Biden administration efforts on climate change, environmental justice, and, potentially, emerging contaminants.”
“Anticipate early efforts to open more federal lands to new oil and gas leases and pipelines and potential support for additional nuclear energy development… President Trump has pledged to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement again and eliminate the Biden administration executive order pausing LNG exports.”
There was nothing typical about this presidential election cycle, and there will likely be plenty of interesting moments over the next four years (Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash).
New Head of EPA Appointed
The President-elect has not wasted time in naming cabinet appointees including, Representative Lee Zeldin (New York) to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
President-elect, Donald Trump said, “He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet. He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way.”
From Left of Center to Right of Center Approach to Environmental Protection
Quill Robinson is the Assistant Director and Associate Fellow, Energy Security and Climate Change Program. He recently posted the following with respect to which environmental groups may influence the Trump Administration:
“Climate philanthropy funds left-of-center advocacy organizations. Left-of-center advocacy organizations engage left-of-center policymakers and audiences. Next year, Republicans will control the House, Senate, and White House. Climateworld desperately needs a strategy update.
Luckily, there is a growing group of research and advocacy organizations purpose-built to engage right-of-center policymakers and audiences.
ConservAmerica is the oldest conservative environmental group. CA runs the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus, educates and advocates on a range of conservation and clean energy issues, and maintains strong relationships with Republican members of Congress.
ClearPath is the policy and advocacy powerhouse of the conservative climate movement. They work closely with Republican members of Congress, helping write legislation on issues ranging from nuclear energy to carbon capture. Clearpath also supports the Conservative Climate Caucus.
C3 Solutions is focused on developing free market policy solutions to climate, energy, and environmental challenges. C3 publishes thought pieces from leading conservative thinkers as well as in-depth policy white papers.
Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) works closely with Republican lawmakers to communicate conservative solutions to climate and energy issues.
American Conservation Coalition is the youth-led, grassroots army of the conservative climate movement. ACC has dozens of chapters and tens of thousands of members across the U.S.
These are just a few of the eco-right groups that are equipped to meet the political moment. If you work in climateworld, then it’s time to get to know them!”
RFK Jr. Influence
Politics can make strange bedfellows, none more unusual than this election cycle with some Republicans supporting Vice President Harris and some Democrats supporting President-Elect Trump. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) supporting Trump was not likely on too many bingo cards.
RFK Jr. is a lifelong environmentalist and was the president of the Waterkeeper Alliance for more than 20 years. Waterkeeper boasts more than one million volunteers in 47 countries. They have been a loud voice in opposition to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, fossil fuels, hydroelectric power (via dams), and more. The group advocates for environmental justice.
His close alliance with Trump will likely mean he will have a role in the new administration. How much influence he will have will be an interesting dynamic to watch.
In summary, there was nothing typical about this presidential election cycle, and there will likely be plenty of interesting moments over the next four years. We will continue to follow the many environmental regulatory developments that are sure to come.
Environmental Advice
Dragun Corporation has been assisting the regulated community with environmental compliance, assessment/remediation, and litigation support since 1988. If you need assistance with an environmental issue, including litigation support, contact Jeffrey Bolin, M.S., CHMM, at 248-932-0228, Ext. 125.
Dragun Corporation does not use artificial intelligence in drafting our blogs or any other material.
Alan Hahn drafted this blog. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and completed a graduate program in Environmental Management. He has worked in environmental management for 45 years. He has written hundreds of blogs and articles. His published work includes Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Detroiter, Michigan Forward, GreenStone Partners, Manure Manager Magazine, Progressive Dairy, and HazMat Magazine.
Jeffrey Bolin, M.S., reviewed this blog. Jeff is a partner and senior scientist at Dragun Corporation. He is a published author, frequent speaker, and expert witness. His expertise in environmental due diligence, PFAS, vapor intrusion, and site assessments has led to projects in the US, Canada, and overseas. See Jeff’s Bio.
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