Lee Zeldin's initiatives sweeping deregulations to aid the coal industry and lower living costs

 March 17, 2025

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has embarked on a historic policy shift.

According to Breitbart News, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the largest deregulatory effort in U.S. history aimed at reviving the coal industry and reducing living costs for American families.

The sweeping initiative includes 31 deregulations, featuring the elimination of Biden-era environmental justice and diversity programs, along with the termination of electric vehicle mandates that have been central to the previous administration's climate agenda.

Trump administration's vision for environmental policy

The EPA's dramatic shift in environmental policy reflects the Trump administration's broader economic strategy. Under Zeldin's leadership, the agency aims to streamline regulations that he claims have burdened American businesses and households with unnecessary costs.

The former New York congressman emphasizes that environmental protection and economic growth can coexist harmoniously. Zeldin's stance challenges the traditional perspective that environmental regulations and economic development are mutually exclusive.

Speaking about the initiative, Zeldin stated:

President Trump talks about clean, beautiful coal, and what we're doing on Wednesday is going to save the coal industry. I've been told that we're going after the holy grail of the climate change religion, and I would just say this: that we can protect the environment and grow the economy. It's not a binary choice.

Major changes to environmental regulations

The EPA's announcement signals significant changes to existing environmental policies. The agency plans to address hundreds of backlogged clean air cases that, according to Zeldin, were neglected due to the Biden administration's focus on ideological pursuits.

Working alongside the Department of Government Efficiency, the EPA has already canceled 400 diversity, equity, and inclusion grants. This move is expected to save nearly $2 billion in taxpayer funds.

The agency has also pledged to recover approximately $20 billion in taxpayer money that was allocated to climate projects during the Biden administration. This represents a fundamental shift in how federal resources are distributed and managed.

Impact on American households and businesses

The deregulatory actions aim to provide immediate relief to American consumers and businesses. Zeldin argues that these changes will make it easier for families to heat their homes and purchase vehicles.

The EPA claims these reforms will eliminate trillions in regulatory costs and hidden taxes that have been affecting American households. This includes measures to increase consumer choice in the energy sector and automotive industry.

Zeldin emphasized the practical benefits for Americans:

We will bring down the cost of living. It's going to be easier to heat your home, to purchase a vehicle, to operate a business. A lot of Americans struggling to make ends meet want common sense back into the federal government, and we're going to do our part at the EPA.

Historic transformation of environmental policy

A massive overhaul of environmental regulations advances under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's leadership, marking the most extensive deregulatory effort in U.S. history. The initiative, announced on Wednesday, eliminates 31 regulations, including the termination of environmental justice programs and electric vehicle mandates from the previous administration. This transformation aims to revitalize the coal industry while addressing cost-of-living concerns for American families, with the EPA pledging to recover $20 billion in climate project funds and eliminate billions in regulatory costs through various policy changes.

About Victor Winston

Victor is a freelance writer and researcher who focuses on national politics, geopolitics, and economics.
Copyright © 2025 - CapitalismInstitute.org
A Project of Connell Media.
magnifier