The Trump administration last Wednesday announced over two dozen rollbacks of environmental regulations that may affect pollution-fighting efforts in Wisconsin from fossil fuel plants, vehicles, and neighboring states, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials said they are aiming to make buying cars, heating homes, and running businesses more affordable.
Along with several major changes planned, the EPA will revise carbon dioxide emission standards that would have required coal-fired plants and new natural gas plants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2039. The EPA said that would have cost $15 billion over the next 20 years; the Biden administration, however, had projected the standard would prevent $270 billion in climate damages.
Also on the chopping block are more restrictive standards for mercury and hazardous air toxins from power plants that seek to reduce those sources’ pollution by around 70%.
Amy Barrilleaux, spokesperson for nonprofit Clean Wisconsin, said the EPA is responsible for protecting public health and the environment, not reducing costs or unleashing American energy: “This might save big industry and power companies a few bucks, but Wisconsinites will be the ones paying that bill.”
