In a shocking reversal of its longstanding policy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will no longer include the cost to human health and safety when determining appropriate regulations for air pollution. Instead, the focus will be on the cost to private companies when setting regulatory limits. This means that these regulations are likely to become far weaker over time, or may be repealed entirely, to the detriment of the average citizen.
EPA to Ignore Cost to Human Health and Safety
The EPA announced that it will no longer consider the cost to human health and safety when deciding how to craft rules on air pollution, particularly when it comes to ozone and fine particulate matter. This means that it will no longer factor in whether the increased presence of certain pollutants might negatively impact the health of people nearby, such as from increased risk of chronic illness or death. Instead, the only costs it will take into consideration are those from industries affected by these regulations.
The Potential Risk to Human Health
Scientific studies have long linked exposure to air pollutants like fine particulate matter and ozone can increase the risk of diseases like asthma, COPD, heart disease, and lung disease. It may also increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly lung cancer. While this risk was previously used to determine safe levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, that scientific understanding will now be officially disregarded.
A Shocking Reversal, A Worrying Trend
While the decision itself is disturbing, the more worrying issue is that this is part of a trend of decisions made by the Trump EPA. It has been unsubtle about prioritizing industrial interests over the health and safety of average citizens, with President Trump having issued executive orders demanding the EPA lighten regulations on polluters of all kinds. While this will undoubtedly save the fossil fuel industry and other major polluters a significant amount of money in the short term, the long-term costs for people in polluted areas may be far more dire.
What This May Mean For You
If you live in an area that has been affected by air or water pollution, and you have suffered health problems as a result, you may have legal options available to you. However, to know what you should do, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling environmental law issues. They can help you craft a legal strategy that suits your needs, and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We have extensive experience representing the interests of people injured in catastrophic accidents, including fires, explosions and leaks of toxic materials. If you believe we can be of service to you or a loved one, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.