Climate policy news covering environmental regulations, emissions targets, international climate agreements, and government climate action.
The Trump administration finalized the repeal of Biden-era carbon pollution standards for power plants, citing lower energy costs. The new rule retains 2015 standards and 2024 efficiency requirements for new natural gas plants while keeping Obama-era coal regulations in place. The EPA also issued a supplemental proposal to repeal its authority to regulate power plant climate contributions entirely.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has formally rescinded carbon pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants. Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the rollback aims to protect American energy and lower electricity prices amid high demand from AI data centers, while sources noted coal and natural gas remain critical for grid reliability.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged MEPs to work together on new climate protection plans after summer wildfires killed first responders. She cited record heat waves and billions in economic damage as reasons for immediate legislative action.
The commentary contends that the Trump Administration’s repeal of carbon pollution rules for power plants relies on debunked claims that emissions have no material impact on climate change. It argues this decision contradicts decades of scientific evidence linking U.S. power sector emissions to global warming and public health risks.
Euronews summarizes research suggesting Europe can reduce industrial emissions without sacrificing manufacturing jobs by importing energy-intensive materials like steel and chemicals. The study argues that using green hydrogen and recycled scrap for final production allows European factories to maintain output while meeting strict 2040 climate targets.
Ian Prasad Philbrick argues that the Trump administration's proposed rules to rescind power plant emissions regulations aim to permanently undermine future U.S. climate policy. The commentary contends these moves, if upheld, would gut remaining Clean Air Act protections against greenhouse gas pollution.
The Boston Globe reports that vulnerable nations face intensified survival risks as the UN confirms global warming will exceed the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. The commentary highlights how cutbacks in aid from wealthy nations, particularly the United States, and withdrawal from climate funds leave developing countries with diminished resources to confront rising sea levels and intensifying disasters.
CEOs of seven leading European truck manufacturers requested a three-year delay to EU 2030 CO2 reduction targets on Monday. They argue that insufficient charging networks and high energy costs prevent zero-emission vehicles from being commercially viable, despite current rules requiring significant emission cuts.
William S. Becker contends that US politicians are engaging in "climate hushing" ahead of midterms, avoiding climate action despite increasing extreme weather disasters. He argues this strategic silence ignores the growing frequency of billion-dollar disasters and fails to address the urgent environmental threats facing American communities.
Climate activists and NGOs rallied outside the Finance Ministry in Paris on Tuesday to demand urgent environmental measures in the 2027 budget. The protest, involving groups like Greenpeace France and professional unions, follows France's hottest recorded summer in 2026. Additional marches are scheduled for September 26 across various French cities.