Trump's EPA Announces Aggressive Rollback of Environmental Protections
Ask students: How might the Trump administration attempt to deregulate the EPA? Why are Democrats and environmentalists criticizing this announcement?
The Environmental Protection Agency announced what it called the ‘biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history.’ Administrator Lee Zeldin’s proposals include a call to upend the basis for the EPA's climate change actions and impact rules on emissions limits, wastewater regulations and air quality standards. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Zack Colman of Politico.
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Key Term
Deregulation — the act or process of removing restrictions and regulations. Officials might commit to deregulation to promote growth and business.
Discussion Questions
- What is the EPA?
- When was the EPA created?
- How might the Trump administration attempt to deregulate the EPA?
- Why are Democrats and environmentalists criticizing this announcement?
- What benefits does the Trump administration claim that deregulation of the EPA will have?
Focus Questions
- The EPA also announced that it was shuttering its Environmental Justice offices, which help communities who have been disproportionately burdened with pollution.
- Why do you think the Trump administration wants to eliminate Environmental Justice? Who is someone that might benefit from this? Explain your response.
- Media literacy: What forms of pollution affect your community and how? Do you think it's important to regulate pollution and climate change?
Extension Activity
Watch this video to learn more about new EPA administrator Lee Zeldin. Discuss with a classmate whether you think the changes Zeldin might bring to the EPA will have a positive or negative effect on the environment.
Watch the video below to hear Sen. Bernie Sanders ask Lee Zeldin about his and Trump's positions on climate change.
Lesson Plans on Climate Change
Explore more resources for educators to find a wide-range of relevant preK-12 lessons on climate change or supporting young people as they continue to lead the conversation around the climate change crisis.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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