Fresh out of Barnard College with a degree in political science, Riley is learning the ropes as a writer and reporter for GZERO. When she isn’t writing about global politics, you can find her making GZERO’s crossword puzzles, conducting research on American politics, or persisting in her lifelong quest to learn French. Riley spends her time outside of work grilling, dancing, and wearing many hats (both literally and figuratively).
The new administration has already revised its legal framework for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, rolled back CO₂ and mercury limits on power plants, and reversed tailpipe regulations that were steering the US auto industry toward electric vehicles. Achieving Zeldin’s new vision means slashing environmental regulations, a move that earned Donald Trump praise on the campaign trail. These changes should make it cheaper and easier for businesses to build and expand.
While this may be good news for gas prices, it’s bad news for the environment and public health. The administration has called for the closure of all EPA offices addressing the disproportionately high levels of air and water pollution in poor communities, pollution that has been linked to higher rates of cancer and respiratory illnesses. These changes follow last year’s Supreme Court Chevron decision, which stripped the agency of much of its regulatory authority over industries.
