Toxic Rollbacks! Zeldin's EPA Fuels Fury Over Polluted Water
Lee Zeldin is facing intense scrutiny for his role in what critics are calling dangerous rollbacks of environmental protections. Actions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Zeldin's leadership are raising alarms about clean water, clean air, and public health.
PFAS Limits Under Fire
One of the most controversial moves involves rolling back limits on PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” These substances, which don't break down in the environment, contaminate water, embed themselves in our blood, and are linked to cancer and other health problems. Critics argue that these rollbacks prioritize industry interests over public safety.
Vanessa Fajans-Turner writes, “Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA is choosing industry over evidence and corporate appeasement over safety.”
Climate Endangerment Finding at Risk
Adding to the concern, the Trump Administration, with Zeldin's support, aims to revoke the “climate endangerment finding.” This 2009 provision forms the basis for many federal climate laws regulating CO2 emissions. If revoked, it could dismantle regulations on vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and wastewater discharge.
Local Opposition to Battery Storage Facility
Meanwhile, in Queens, residents are protesting the construction of a battery energy storage system (BESS) near their homes. They fear the proximity of lithium-ion batteries, citing fire risks and potential hazards to the largely residential neighborhood.
Adjoa Dgifa, a resident of Addisleigh Park, stated, “It’s too close to this particular business that has tires and oil and gas and it’s too close to the homes.”
The city defends the BESS project, claiming it supports carbon-neutral goals by storing renewable energy and stabilizing the electrical grid. However, residents remain unconvinced, highlighting the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires.
New York's Fight Against Forever Chemicals
New York has been at the forefront of regulating PFAS, passing strong laws in 2022. However, recent proposals by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to distinguish between “intentional” and “unintentional” PFAS are raising concerns about loopholes that could undermine these gains.
Critics argue that relying on manufacturers' self-reporting without independent verification will allow polluters to exploit the system.