Policy Rollbacks Raise Costs, Risks, and Pollution Across U.S.

Since resuming office in January, President Donald Trump has reversed key climate and health protections, a shift that experts warn will increase household expenses, weaken environmental safeguards, and slow clean-energy progress. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act prioritizes coal and oil while eliminating clean-energy tax credits, potentially raising power bills by up to 18% by 2035.

Cuts to federal agency staff and budgets are undermining pollution enforcement, food safety testing, and hurricane forecasting amid escalating climate threats. Tariffs, halted transit projects, and the removal of Energy Star and EV incentives are expected to raise grocery, commuting, and energy costs.

Looser fuel standards and appliance rules extend fossil-fuel plant operations, worsening smog and greenhouse gas emissions in already polluted communities. Delays in PFAS limits keep harmful chemicals in drinking water, while reduced weather and resilience programs leave communities less prepared for floods, hurricanes, and wildfire smoke—eroding public health and household stability.

08-08-2025