For decades, air quality regulations have helped prevent respiratory diseases and improve public health. But a new wave of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rollbacks could unravel that progress—leading to dirtier air, higher health risks, and rising pollution levels. 

On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to roll back 31 environmental regulations, including measures that limit power plant emissions, vehicle pollution, and industrial toxins. If implemented, these changes could lead to higher pollution levels, increased respiratory diseases, and environmental setbacks (1). 

"This isn’t about abandoning environmental protection,” Zeldin said. “It’s about achieving it through innovation and not strangulation."

These changes are “taking us back to a time of unfettered pollution across the nation, leaving every American exposed to toxic chemicals, dirty air and contaminated water.”

While these rollbacks are not yet finalized, the announcement sets in motion a regulatory process that, if unchecked, could dismantle decades of environmental protections.

Environmental and public health experts strongly disagree, warning that these rollbacks could cause the greatest increase in pollution in decades. Matthew Tejada, Senior Vice President of Environmental Health at the NRDC, sharply criticized the changes, warning that these rollbacks are “taking us back to a time of unfettered pollution across the nation, leaving every American exposed to toxic chemicals, dirty air, and contaminated water."

Which air quality protections are being rolled back?

1. Weakening power plant pollution limits

The EPA is proposing to loosen regulations on coal-fired power plants, allowing increased emissions of mercury, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ).

Why it matters:

• PM2.5 pollution is linked to asthma, lung disease, and heart conditions.

• Mercury exposure can cause neurological damage, particularly in children.

2. Eliminating the Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases

The 2009 Endangerment Finding is the scientific foundation for regulating carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act (2). The EPA now plans to repeal it entirely.

Why it matters:

• Without this ruling, the EPA would lose the ability to regulate pollution from power plants and vehicles.

• The U.S. could abandon its commitment to reducing climate-related pollution.

3. Rolling back vehicle emissions standards

New policies aim to reduce fuel efficiency and emission requirements for cars and trucks.

Why it matters:

• Tailpipe emissions contribute to smog, respiratory diseases, and worsening urban air quality.

• Vehicle emissions disproportionately impact low-income communities located near highways.

4. Eliminating the “Good Neighbor” Rule

The EPA plans to remove regulations that limit air pollution drifting across state lines, which previously helped reduce smog in downwind communities.

Why it matters:

• Weakening this rule will allow more pollution to accumulate, leading to an increase in respiratory illnesses.

• States with strict air quality laws could still suffer from pollution coming from neighboring states.

5. Cutting environmental justice programs

The EPA will dismantle initiatives aimed at reducing pollution in low-income and minority communities, which are often exposed to higher levels of air pollution.

Why it matters:

• Communities of color and low-income areas already experience the highest asthma rates and pollution-related illnesses.

• Eliminating these programs could widen the health disparity between wealthy and disadvantaged communities.

How does this impact public health?

Air pollution is more than an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. The scientific community has repeatedly linked airborne pollutants like PM2.5, NO₂, and ozone to:

• Higher rates of asthma and lung disease

• Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

• Premature deaths, particularly in children and seniors

• Lower life expectancy in areas with persistent air pollution

A 2022 study by the University of Chicago found that reductions in air pollution have directly increased life expectancy in the U.S. and other countries (3). If these protections are removed, millions of Americans could face increased health risks.

What can be done?

With federal protections weakening, independent air quality monitoring is more important than ever. 

Here’s how you can take action:

• Stay informed: Use the AirVisual Platform to track real-time air pollution levels in your area.

• Advocate for clean air policies: Support local and state initiatives that protect air quality, especially in the absence of federal action.

• Join the movement: Programs like IQAir’s Schools4Earth provide schools and communities with the tools to monitor and improve air quality independently.

The takeaway

The EPA’s rollback of air quality protections could mean dirtier air and higher health risks. But you can take action. Advocate for clean air policies, monitor your local air quality, and do what you can as an individual to protect the environment. 

While these rollbacks are not yet finalized, the regulatory process has already begun—making it critical to stay informed and engaged. Without public input and opposition, decades of progress in environmental and public health protections could be undone.

Together, we can fight for clean air by staying informed, advocating for stronger policies, and using technology to monitor and reduce pollution—no matter what policies change.