Three former Environmental Protection Agency leaders, including former administrators Gina McCarthy and Christine Todd Whitman, have raised concerns about EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s proposed rollbacks of 31 key environmental rules. Zeldin’s plan to undo decades-old regulations, including reconsidering the scientific finding on greenhouse gas emissions, has been criticized by the former EPA heads as endangering public health and the environment. They expressed dismay at the potential harms these rollbacks could cause, highlighting the importance of strong environmental regulations in achieving both environmental protection and economic prosperity.

Zeldin’s actions, supported by President Donald Trump, have faced criticism for prioritizing industry interests over environmental conservation. The former EPA leaders warned of irreparable harm to Americans, businesses, and environmental protection efforts if these rule changes are implemented. They emphasized the vital role of regulations in maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The proposed changes include rewriting rules on air pollution from power plants, emissions from vehicles, and industrial pollution of mercury and other air toxins. Environmentalists have vowed to oppose these changes, arguing that they could lead to a significant increase in pollution in the U.S. The former EPA heads have urged against undermining existing regulations that have been effective in safeguarding public health and the environment. They believe that the proposed rollbacks could reverse decades of progress in environmental protection efforts.