Lee Zeldin, the EPA czar, should quickly eliminate these three detrimental Biden rules
President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) for the role of the new Environmental Protection Agency administrator.
Upon confirmation, he will face the challenging task of reversing the damage caused by the Biden EPA over the past four years.
The agency has recently approved a series of regulations that put the well-being of Americans at risk and disregard the decisions of Congress. Here are three regulations Zeldin should immediately repeal:
The de facto electric vehicle mandate. This regulation aims to phase out gas-powered cars and promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the EPA, this rule will lead to EVs accounting for approximately 70% of all new car sales by 2032. The Biden EPA seems to prioritize this goal over consumer choice and the concerns regarding EVs such as higher costs and reliability issues.
Furthermore, the EPA implemented this regulation without congressional authorization, ignoring the will of lawmakers.
The power plant rule, also known as the Clean Power Plan 2.0.
This regulation, similar to the Clean Power Plan from the Obama administration, attempts to manage the national electric grid and transition from coal and natural gas to wind and solar energy sources. The requirements imposed by this rule may lead to the premature retirement of coal plants and discourage the development of new natural gas plants.
The EPA’s disregard for the advice of experts and the proper regulatory process in setting stringent standards for fine particulate matter, as well as the dismissal of scientific advisory committees, is also a cause for concern.
Zeldin should prioritize repealing these harmful regulations and ensuring that future EPA actions are based on sound legal and scientific foundations, respecting the rule of law and considering the costs and benefits of regulations.
These changes would be a positive step towards protecting the environment while upholding the principles of good governance.
Daren Bakst is director of the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Center for Energy and Environment.
