EPA Prepares for High Urgency & Risk in 2024
TL/DR –
The EPA is under pressure to implement far-reaching regulations and distribute billions of dollars across the US before 2024 ends. The stakes are high due to the possibility of a change in administration, since Republican-led Congresses and the White House in 2025 could stall the agency’s efforts. In addition to implementing President Biden’s climate and infrastructure laws, the EPA also needs to finalize rules on air, climate, and water protection, launch new programs, hire new staff, and manage historic levels of funding.
EPA in Haste to Meet 2024 Deadlines Amid Uncertain Political Climate
2024 will see the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) rushing to conclude comprehensive regulations and distribute funds nationwide. The agency must seal protections on air, climate, and water in anticipation of a potential Republican-led Congress and White House in 2025 if the forthcoming elections sway against Democrats. Furthermore, EPA has the task to implement President Joe Biden’s signature climate and infrastructure policies, instigating new schemes and hiring additional staff to manage the substantial funding passing through the agency.
Former EPA Administrators William Reilly and Christine Todd Whitman comment on the gravity and risk of EPA’s current situation in an election year. Whitman predicts the agency will push out as many regulations as possible given the potential of Biden not winning the reelection bid in 2024. She also mentions fears of the agency’s future if Trump returns.
Under Biden’s administration, EPA has been transformed into a significant funding hub, having been earmarked over $100 billion in extra spending in the coming years with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Carol Browner, EPA’s longest-serving administrator, highlights the agency’s task of making crucial decisions and moving money under these laws.
The agency has already begun to distribute funds, awarding nearly $1 billion in grants for electric and low-emission school buses under the infrastructure law. EPA enters 2024 following a historic 2023, which saw significant financial assistance to disadvantaged communities.
Regulatory Programs Gearing Up for a Big Year
Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe informed EPA staff through an internal email that 2024 will be a significant year for the agency’s regulatory programs. Rules expected to be released for climate pollution, wetlands protections, air quality, and drinking water. The Supreme Court is also anticipated to deliberate on a crucial EPA rule intended to lessen cross-state air pollution this year.
EPA’s standards for power plants’ greenhouse gas emissions, envisaged to be finalized by April, are among the most pivotal regulations according to Joseph Brazauskas, former leader of Trump EPA’s congressional and intergovernmental relations office.
Large Sums of Money Flowing Under Climate and Infrastructure Laws
EPA under the climate and infrastructure laws has already moved substantial funds. In a holiday message last month, Administrator Michael Regan reported that $13 billion was provided under the infrastructure law to enhance water infrastructure and $1 billion to hasten cleanups at Superfund sites.
Financial aid is also being directed to environmental justice communities, such as $600 million for large grantmaking organizations, announced by EPA in December.
EPA Awaiting Nominees
Despite the urgency of work, the agency currently lacks its full leadership team. The Senate Democrats recently withdrew a motion to advance Joe Goffman, the EPA air nominee who has been awaiting confirmation for almost two years. The head of the water program since 2021, Radhika Fox, is also set to leave by end of next month.
As the election year progresses, the agency is also likely to face unexpected challenges, such as environmental crises that will require an immediate EPA response, according to Stan Meiburg, former EPA Acting Deputy Administrator.
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