‘A complete backflip’: NWI activists react to reported EPA air pollution changes – Chicago Tribune

Report on EPA’s Proposed Changes to Air Pollution Regulations and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), established under President Richard Nixon’s administration, was originally tasked with following science, adhering to the law, and ensuring transparency. However, recent developments under Administrator Lee Zeldin have raised concerns regarding the agency’s commitment to these principles, particularly in relation to air pollution regulations.

EPA’s Proposed Regulatory Changes

According to a report by The New York Times, the EPA plans to cease considering health benefits when setting air pollution standards, specifically targeting pollutants from fine particulate matter and ozone. This shift could potentially repeal limits on emissions from coal-burning power plants, oil refineries, steel mills, and other industrial facilities nationwide.

EPA’s Response to Criticism

• The EPA disputed The New York Times’ report, stating the article contained inaccuracies and false premises.
• The agency affirmed its ongoing commitment to protecting human health and the environment.
• While the EPA will continue to consider the impacts of fine particulate matter and ozone on human health, it will not monetize these impacts at this time.
• The agency emphasized that not monetizing health impacts does not equate to disregarding or undervaluing them.
• EPA highlighted its adherence to science-based decision-making and ongoing refinement of economic methodologies.

Context: Previous Air Quality Standards

1. In February 2024, the Biden administration finalized stronger air quality standards, reducing allowable fine particulate matter from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
2. The EPA estimated that for every $1 spent on these regulations, there could be $77 in health benefits by 2032.

Expert and Community Reactions

Concerns Raised by Former EPA Officials and Environmental Groups

• Debra Shore, former regional EPA administrator, criticized the agency for ignoring science, disregarding the law, and lacking transparency.
• Shore recommended establishing an independent scientific review panel via the National Academy of Sciences to develop a robust analytical strategy.
• The Environmental Protection Network, representing over 700 former EPA staff, condemned the changes as a pattern of downplaying health effects and abandoning the EPA’s mission.

Health and Environmental Impacts

• Retired physician Allan Halline warned of immediate health consequences such as increased asthma exacerbations, emergency room visits, cardiovascular events, and long-term rises in cancer and chronic diseases.
• The American Lung Association reported that parts of Indiana, including Lake and Porter counties, suffer from some of the nation’s worst air pollution, with associated health risks including premature death, asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, impaired cognitive function, and lung cancer.
• Historical data indicates high lung cancer rates and low life expectancy in affected communities.

Community and Activist Perspectives

• Lisa Vallee, organizing director for Just Transition Northwest Indiana, expressed concern that deregulation benefits polluting companies at the expense of community health.
• Vallee fears that federal deregulation will lead to weaker state oversight and increased pollution nationwide.
• She highlighted the emotional toll on residents and activists striving for healthier environments amid regulatory rollbacks.

Broader Regulatory Context and Environmental Justice

• In March 2025, Administrator Zeldin announced the “biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history,” including reconsideration of power plant and vehicle regulations and the termination of environmental justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the EPA.
• Plans to eliminate environmental justice offices across regional EPA offices were revealed in internal memos.
• State-level actions, such as executive orders by Governor Mike Braun, aim to align state regulations with federal deregulation and prohibit the use of environmental justice considerations in permitting and enforcement.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The EPA’s proposed changes have significant implications for multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Weakened air quality regulations threaten to increase respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer rates, and premature deaths.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Increased industrial pollution may adversely affect water quality through air-to-water pollutant deposition.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Deteriorating air quality undermines urban health and livability, particularly in vulnerable communities.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – Relaxed pollution controls may increase greenhouse gas emissions and hinder climate mitigation efforts.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The rollback of environmental justice initiatives disproportionately impacts marginalized communities already burdened by pollution.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Transparency and adherence to scientific evidence are critical for effective governance and public trust.

Conclusion

The EPA’s proposed cessation of monetizing health benefits in air pollution regulations marks a significant shift in environmental policy with potential adverse effects on public health, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Stakeholders urge the agency to maintain scientific rigor, transparency, and commitment to protecting human health and the environment in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Report compiled by mwilkins@chicagotribune.com

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on reducing health risks from air pollution and improving public health outcomes.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Indirectly connected through environmental protection efforts that also impact water quality.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Addressing air pollution in urban areas like Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Regulation of pollutants from industrial sources contributes to climate and environmental protection.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Issues of transparency, law adherence, and governance within the EPA.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Air Quality Indicators
   • Concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in micrograms per cubic meter (e.g., 9 µg/m³ and 12 µg/m³ standards).
   • Ozone pollution levels.
   • Grades or ratings of air pollution levels by organizations such as the American Lung Association.
2. Health Outcome Indicators
   • Rates of asthma exacerbations, emergency room visits, hospital visits.
   • Cardiovascular events including sudden cardiac deaths.
   • Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates (e.g., 72.5 per 100,000 people in Indiana).
   • Life expectancy in affected cities.
3. Regulatory and Governance Indicators
   • EPA’s adherence to science-based decision-making and transparency.
   • Existence and enforcement of environmental justice offices and policies.
   • Monetization of health benefits in regulatory impact analyses.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: chicagotribune.com