Blog 3.4: RIP EPA

1. What are the disadvantages for Scott Pruitt of using rule making?

By stalling, Pruitt shifts policy. Delaying decisions and implementation allow industries to be relieved of environmental rules, resulting in negative effects on health.

2. How has the enforcement of environmental regulations changed from the Obama Administration to the Trump Administration?

Environmental law enforcement has declined. By September, the Trump administration launched 30% fewer cases and collected 60% fewer fines than Obama. 

3. What change has Pruitt made to the process for investigating potential violations of environmental regulations?

EPA's enforcement division has to get approval from HQ before investigating potential violations. 

4. How many environmental regulations has Pruitt removed?

19 

5. Why are some people critical of having so many environmental regulations?

Critics say that continuing to make many regulations are reaching diminishing returns, costing people more to comply with them.

6. How have the courts limited Pruitt's plans?

Court's have blocked the EPA/s efforts to suspend rules on methane emissions and denied them more time to research lead paint. 

7. What are state governments doing to try to limit Pruitt's plans?

States are suing EPA for failing to expand ozone regulations and failing to control air pollution. 

8. How is the Senate working to try to limit Pruitt's plans?

The Democratic Senators are planning to grill Pruitt and put together their agenda for the EPA in the event they get control of the chamber in the fall.