Air

Anything related to air quality, air pollution, or the atmosphere

"Trump Admin Fires New Shot in Fight Over California Clean Car Rules"

"The Trump administration on Thursday filed a new lawsuit against California over its strict limits on planet-warming pollution from cars, arguing that the restrictions would unlawfully force a rapid transition to electric vehicles in the state."

Source: NYTimes, 03/13/2026

"Air Pollution Spikes As Trump Doubles Down On Coal Power"

"Air pollution from coal-fired power plants spiked in 2025, a striking reversal of long-term progress in air quality as the Trump administration boosted coal use." "EPA data shows pollution bumps that are among the largest in decades, just as the agency rolls back rules cracking down on pollution from coal-fired power plants."

Source: E&E News, 03/11/2026

"Trump Spares Power Plants From Mercury Emissions Clampdown"

"The Trump administration is reopening a loophole to allow more mercury emissions from some coal-fired power plants, provoking swift denunciations from public health advocates who said the rollback will leave children at further risk of exposure to the brain-damaging element."

Source: E&E News, 02/24/2026

EPA Enforcement Falls to Record Low Under Trump 2.0

The enforcement of environmental laws suffered a dramatic collapse during the Trump administration’s first year, several studies have found. Even the most serious violations, typically referred to the Department of Justice, are left unpursued because of DOJ staffing declines. The latest Backgrounder has the details, a look at the administration’s rationale for the decline and the implications for the environment and public health.

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"E.P.A. Plans to Loosen Mercury Rules for Coal Plants, Documents Show"

"The Environmental Protection Agency plans this week to loosen restrictions on coal-burning power plants, allowing them to emit more hazardous pollutants including mercury, a powerful neurotoxin that can impair babies’ brain development, internal agency documents show."

Source: NYTimes, 02/20/2026

Thermal Drone Footage Shows Musk's AI Power Plant Flouting Clean Air Rules

"Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company is continuing to fuel its data centers with unpermitted gas turbines, according to a Floodlight visual investigation. Thermal drone footage shows xAI is still burning gas at a facility in Southaven, Miss., despite a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling reiterating that doing so requires a state permit in advance."

Source: Floodlight, 02/18/2026

Senate Dems Say Trump EPA Curries Corporate Favor By Weakening Air Rules

"Ozone and particulate matter air pollutants cause over 100,000 premature deaths per year and affect the health of millions of Americans. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said last month that his agency would stop considering those costs when drafting new regulations."

Source: Inside Climate News, 02/18/2026

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