How the EPA's new deregulation plans undermine decades of health and economic benefits

The Trump administration is reassessing more than 30 air pollution regulations, raising concerns about air quality impacts nationwide. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that these regulatory rollbacks could save families trillions, but neglected to mention that previous regulations resulted in significant health and economic benefits, with estimates suggesting a $10 return for every $1 spent. Historical context shows that stringent regulations spurred economic growth while drastically reducing pollution levels, showcasing the balance between environmental and economic health. The effectiveness of the Clean Air Act has led to remarkable reductions in air pollution since the 1970s.

Zeldin wrote that his deregulation moves would "roll back trillions in regulatory costs and hidden 'taxes' on U.S. families." But that's only part of the story.

Thanks to stronger air-quality regulations, pollution levels have plummeted, preventing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. The U.S. economy more than doubled in size while pollution fell.

Some estimates suggest every $1 spent meeting clean air rules has returned $10 in health and economic benefits.

In the early 1970s, thick smog blanketed American cities and acid rain stripped forests bare from the Northeast to the Midwest.

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