• The Trump administration has filed no new cases against major polluters in its first three months, marking a significant drop in environmental enforcement.
• The number of minor civil and criminal enforcement cases has also declined since President Trump took office.
• Former EPA officials and current staffers express concerns about the politicization of enforcement and potential harm to communities.

The Trump administration's approach to environmental enforcement has shifted dramatically, with a notable decrease in legal actions against polluters. Data analysis reveals that no new major cases have been initiated against major polluters, and the number of minor cases has also decreased substantially. This shift coincides with policy changes that favor deregulation and rollbacks of environmental protections, raising concerns about potential impacts on public health and environmental quality. The implications of these changes are particularly worrisome for communities already overburdened by pollution.

• What: A significant decrease in federal environmental law enforcement, with no new major cases filed against polluters.
• Who: The Trump administration, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Justice (DOJ), major polluters, former and current EPA enforcement officials, communities affected by pollution.
• When: The first three months of the Trump administration's term (starting January 20). Comparison data from the Biden administration's last fiscal year and the first Trump administration's first three months in 2017.
• Where: Nationwide, with potential localized impacts on communities near pollution sources.

The sharp decline in environmental enforcement under the Trump administration raises significant concerns about the potential for increased pollution and harm to public health, especially in vulnerable communities. The administration's shift away from enforcement, coupled with regulatory rollbacks, suggests a prioritization of economic interests over environmental protection. The concerns voiced by former EPA officials and current staff highlight the potential for political interference in enforcement decisions, undermining the agency's mission to protect the environment and public health. The long-term consequences of these changes could be far-reaching, potentially reversing progress made in environmental protection over previous administrations.

The future is grim for environmental protection. The risk will be most felt in overburdened communities, but this will hurt red and blue districts alike. If the EPA cop is not on the beat, then people are going to be harmed.

It’s critically important to keep politics out of enforcement. Enforcement should be about upholding the rule of law and protecting communities from harmful pollution.

It’s only been three months, but the EPA has taken such a hard turn away from protecting public health and the environment. It’s breathtaking and sad.

The substantial weakening of environmental enforcement under the Trump administration signifies a fundamental change in environmental policy, moving away from prioritizing environmental protection and public health towards energy independence and deregulation. The long-term consequences of these shifts are likely to include increased pollution, particularly impacting low-income and minority communities, a rise in associated health issues like asthma and cardiovascular diseases, and a potential increase in premature deaths. Furthermore, the withdrawal from international agreements, like the Paris Climate Accord, and the relaxation of emissions standards could undermine global climate cooperation and hinder efforts to achieve net-zero emissions targets. While the administration aims to ease regulatory costs and boost the economy, analyses suggest that these rollbacks could ultimately increase costs for the public through higher energy bills and healthcare expenses. Ongoing monitoring and assessment will be essential to fully understand the wide-ranging effects on the environment, public health, and the economy, as well as the implications for environmental justice and international climate goals.