The potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency poses significant implications for environmental policy in the United States. During his initial term, Trump made headlines by withdrawing the country from the Paris Agreement on climate change and effectively dismantling numerous environmental regulations established under the previous Obama administration. This rapid course of action included the weakening of air and water quality protections, which were critical for public health and environmental integrity.
Should Trump return to power, many experts suggest that he would face fewer obstacles in executing his promised changes. His administration would likely consist of officials more aligned with his views, equipped to swiftly implement policies that favor deregulation. Myron Ebell, former head of Trump’s EPA transition team, indicated that a second Trump administration would operate with greater efficacy and experience, facilitating a more decisive rollback of environmental protections.
Christine Todd Whitman, who served as EPA Administrator under George W. Bush, highlighted the ideological shifts within the judiciary system that may grant a Trump-led administration unprecedented leeway to eliminate regulations. Trump’s proposed reclassification of a vast number of public workers could also allow for easier dismissals, further consolidating his control over governmental agencies dedicated to environmental protection.
A concerning prospect tied to a second Trump term is the emergence of what experts describe as a “free-for-all” concerning emissions. Trump has already signaled intentions to revoke two critical regulations from the Biden administration aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Alongside this, conservative allies are advancing proposals as part of a transition plan dubbed Project 2025, which focus on significantly increasing emissions without regulation.
Research conducted by Carbon Brief warns that Trump’s reelection might lead to an additional four billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, a staggering figure that eclipses the total annual emissions of both the European Union and Japan combined. This increase would nullify the climate benefits gained from renewable energy technologies implemented globally in recent years. The repercussions of such emissions would not only affect climate stability but also entail economic damages estimated at over $900 billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s assessments.
Moreover, Trump’s energy policies would likely hinder the transition to electric vehicles, a pivotal strategy in mitigating climate change. Trump’s previous disparagement of Biden’s electric vehicle incentives suggests a reversal of supportive measures aimed at promoting cleaner transportation options. There is concern that Trump’s Treasury Department would also aim to diminish tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, further stalling progress in this area.
Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which represents a significant federal investment in combatting climate change, may also be revisited under a second Trump administration. Key components designed to facilitate the transition to zero-emission power generation could be rescinded, alongside the imposition of taxes on methane emissions and other environmental justice measures. The initiatives targeting investment in solar energy and energy-efficient home upgrades could face similar scrutiny.
In summary, Trump’s potential return to the presidency could usher in a period marked by extensive deregulation and a shift away from the United States’ commitments to addressing climate change. Such a trajectory would not only jeopardize domestic environmental goals but could also hinder global efforts to combat climate change effectively. It stands as a call to reconsider the importance of coordinated climate policies that align with scientific consensus and collective action on a global scale.