Trump Administration Seeks to Dismantle EPA Program
The Trump administration is working to abolish a program managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could save U.S. businesses up to $2.4 billion in regulatory costs, according to the agency.
On Friday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin suggested eliminating the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). This program requires certain businesses and facilities to report their greenhouse gas emissions and other relevant information. It marks another step in Zeldin’s deregulation efforts, following his proposal to roll back earlier regulations on July 29. Energy sector experts have previously commented on this shift to the Daily Courier News Foundation.
“Alongside President Trump, the EPA is committed to delivering on our promise to enhance the energy sector that fuels America’s aspirations. The greenhouse gas reporting program is merely a bureaucratic burden that fails to enhance air quality,” Zeldin remarked. “Instead, it exacerbates costs for American businesses and threatens our communities and national prosperity. With this proposal, we demonstrate that we can meet EPA’s legal obligations while facilitating an American resurgence.”
The EPA asserts that this change will save American companies a substantial amount—up to $2.4 billion—by easing compliance costs and claiming alignment with the relevant Clean Air Act regulations. Initially, the GHGRP was launched under the 2008 Integrated Budget Act for $3.5 million and started data collection in 2010, following its introduction by former President Barack Obama.
The agency argues that eliminating these reporting burdens allows businesses to redirect their efforts and expenditures towards achieving tangible environmental improvements. “In contrast to other critical information collections under the Clean Air Act, GHGRP does not directly influence potential regulations or significantly improve human health and environmental conditions,” the EPA noted.
If finalized, the proposal would relieve most large facilities, all fuel and industrial gas suppliers, and CO2 injection sites from their reporting obligations. Zeldin has pursued various deregulation initiatives in alignment with President Trump’s vision of unlocking American energy and fostering an “American comeback.” He has labeled this potential action as the largest deregulation effort in U.S. history.
The EPA first hinted at reconsidering the program on March 12, with proposed rules currently available for public comment as part of the federal regulations enactment process.
