Pollution

"Massie Seeks To Undo Trump’s Pro-Glyphosate Executive Order"

"At least one Republican lawmaker is formally pushing back on President Trump’s effort to boost a controversial herbicide, glyphosate, that’s reviled by supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement."

Source: The Hill, 02/25/2026

"Virginia House Delays Action on Bill Banning Paraquat"

"A bill banning the pesticide paraquat died last week in the Virginia House of Delegates after the chamber’s Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee voted 22-0, with little explanation, to carry the measure over to next year for consideration."

Source: Inside Climate News, 02/25/2026

Judge Rules That Exxon May Sue Calif. AG For Defamation Over Recycling

"The federal judge rejected the California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request to dismiss Exxon Mobil’s lawsuit accusing Bonta of defamation for criticizing Exxon Mobil’s advanced plastics recycling initiatives."

Source: Reuters, 02/25/2026

Brown Water And Boil Notices: Small Towns Struggle With Failing Water Systems

"The water looked like coffee as it ran from the tap. Even simple chores like laundry and dishwashing became nearly impossible, the water running like a medium roast brew from the faucet into the sink of Donald Wood’s home, staining clothes and appliances."

Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 02/25/2026

"Trump Spares Power Plants From Mercury Emissions Clampdown"

"The Trump administration is reopening a loophole to allow more mercury emissions from some coal-fired power plants, provoking swift denunciations from public health advocates who said the rollback will leave children at further risk of exposure to the brain-damaging element."

Source: E&E News, 02/24/2026

EPA Facilities Database — Gateway to Investigative Reporting

Want to pinpoint all the facilities regulated by the EPA in your ZIP code? Or scope out every U.S. operation owned by a particular industrial company? Or learn which polluter might be facing fewer enforcement actions under the current administration? Reporter’s Toolbox has a database for you — in effect, a master index to potential polluters.

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EPA Enforcement Falls to Record Low Under Trump 2.0

The enforcement of environmental laws suffered a dramatic collapse during the Trump administration’s first year, several studies have found. Even the most serious violations, typically referred to the Department of Justice, are left unpursued because of DOJ staffing declines. The latest Backgrounder has the details, a look at the administration’s rationale for the decline and the implications for the environment and public health.

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