The Trump EPA Is a Toothless Friend of Polluting Industries, Analysis Shows
By its own account, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is doing a fantastic job. In a March report on its performance in the last fiscal year, the agency boasted that it had concluded 2,127 civil enforcement cases, “the highest in nine years.” That number wasn’t wrong, but
The Environmental Protection Agency's recent report on its performance may tout a high number of civil enforcement cases, but a closer look reveals that the agency is not doing enough to hold polluters accountable. In fact, analysis suggests that the Trump-era EPA has been lenient on industries that harm the environment, often opting for weak penalties or no penalties at all. This is concerning for the health of our oceans and the creatures that call them home, including whales.
The EPA's approach to enforcement has significant implications for the environment and public health. When polluters are not held accountable, they are more likely to continue releasing harmful pollutants into the air and water, contributing to climate change, ocean acidification, and other environmental problems that affect whales and other marine life. The EPA's failure to take strong action against polluters undermines the progress made in recent years to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.
As the EPA continues to tout its enforcement numbers, it's essential to look beyond the surface level and examine the impact of its actions on the environment. What's needed is a more robust approach to enforcement, one that prioritizes holding polluters accountable and promoting sustainable practices. Whale advocates and environmentalists will be watching to see if the EPA takes a stronger stance on enforcement in the coming months, and whether it prioritizes the health of our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
Originally reported by insideclimatenews.org. WhaleNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.