Within one life, there is endless possibility, joy, experience and worth. A life, for most of us, is the most valuable thing there is — to the Trump administration, however, human life is no longer a concern.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently changed their policy in regards to two air pollutants: PM2.5, or particulate matter, and ozone. The agency will no longer factor public health and its costs into decisions on regulating these chemicals, instead focusing only on industry profits. Particulate matter is known to cause asthma, respiratory problems and premature deaths. Ozone similarly exacerbates asthma symptoms and harms the lungs. More pollutants in the air will harm everyone, but those with existing disabilities and illnesses — not to mention, those from underrepresented communities who may be unable to afford healthcare — will be disproportionately affected.
NYU Grossman professor George Thurston stressed the potential harm of the EPA’s policy, stating that “By not assigning a value to a life, they will be giving a misleading comparison as to the industry clean-up costs versus the value of the health benefits of clean air, in favour of the polluters.”
With this policy change, the Trump administration is indicating that money in the pockets of fossil fuel CEOs is a higher priority than the lives of Americans. This is antithetical to the mission statement of the EPA: to “protect human health and the environment,” as stated on the agency’s website. Further, the Trump pick for EPA Administrator — Lee Zeldin, a strong proponent of fracking in New York — instituted major rollbacks last year that were estimated to cost 200,000 lives. Zeldin has stated that he wants to “ensure we are protecting the environment while also protecting our economy.”
Many conservatives, especially in President Donald Trump’s era, fight against green energy and tough regulations in the name of the economy, implying that our country’s growth is dependent on its coal plants. Time and time again, experts and real-life examples demonstrate that implementing clean energy is not detrimental to, and can even boost, the economy. China, a country experiencing huge economic growth, installed 277 gigawatts of solar panels in 2024 alone — a slap in the face to our measly 142 total gigawatts by the end of 2025. For reference, one gigawatt of solar is enough to power a small city. Plenty of studies also show that the transition to an economy run on renewables would result in an increase of jobs here in the United States.
Under former President Joe Biden, regulations around air pollution were strengthened — a move that was estimated to prevent thousands of premature deaths. Other political actions, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, invested heavily in environmental protections and clean energy. Many of the environmental policies of the last administration, however, were reversed under Trump. In a time where the clock is ticking for the world to reach a net-zero carbon future, there is no time for this flip-flop of progress and relapse every few years.
We wouldn’t have to worry about particulate matter concentrations if our cities were rather powered with clean and safe energy. The time is now to get serious about the struggle for a clean future — for the livelihood of people as much as for the earth and its ecosystems. In your town or city, vote in local, state and federal elections for candidates who support environmental progress. At NYU, take classes centered around sustainability to become mindful of your own consumption and how to curb it, or join clubs that advocate for the environment. The struggle for environmental justice will always be about advancing peoples’ right to live safe, healthy lives, and this right will never be fulfilled while polluting industries are given priority over the American people.
WSN’s Opinion section strives to publish ideas worth discussing. The views presented in the Opinion section are solely the views of the writer.
Contact Jasper Ralph at [email protected].