All articles tagged with #environmental protections
The EPA has placed 139 employees on leave after they signed a dissent letter criticizing the agency's deregulatory efforts under the Trump administration, citing concerns over undermining environmental protections and scientific assessments, leading to internal disputes and accusations of retaliation.
President-elect Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's efforts to shield the state from potential Republican policies, calling Newsom's actions a "tired, old playbook of grievances." Newsom convened a special legislative session to prepare for possible federal actions against abortion rights, environmental protections, and disaster funding. Trump accused California's Democratic leaders of poor policy decisions, while Newsom emphasized the need to defend the state against anticipated federal challenges.
The Biden administration's decision to waive environmental, public health, and cultural protections to expedite the construction of a new border wall has sparked outrage among environmentalists, Indigenous leaders, and community groups in the Rio Grande Valley. This move, which contradicts Biden's campaign promises and his image as a climate champion, has been criticized as inhumane and counterproductive to addressing the root causes of immigration, such as the climate crisis. The waivers issued by the administration have raised concerns about the impact on endangered species, Indigenous cultural sites, and wildlife corridors. The decision is seen as a betrayal by those who had hoped for a different approach to border wall construction under the new administration.
The Biden administration has released a final report with 65 recommendations to update mining regulations and modernize the General Mining Act of 1872. The report includes measures to strengthen environmental protections, such as a leasing program for critical mineral deposits and the implementation of royalties on mining companies. Critics argue that these recommendations will create more red tape and hinder domestic mining projects, leading to increased reliance on imports from countries with questionable labor and environmental practices. The report has received support from lawmakers who have long advocated for stricter mining regulations. The need for critical minerals is crucial for the expansion of green energy technologies, but the U.S. currently relies heavily on imports, with China and other hostile nations dominating the global mineral supply chain.