U.S. Environmental Law Enforcement Plunges Under Trump; Markets React to Global Events
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Enforcement of environmental laws in the United States experienced a significant decline during the first year of President Donald Trump's second term, according to a recent report. Civil lawsuits filed by the Department of Justice, based on referrals from the Environmental Protection Agency, dropped by 76 percent compared to the first year of the Biden administration, as reported by the Environmental Integrity Project.
The report, which analyzed federal court and administrative data, revealed that only 16 such lawsuits were filed in the first 12 months after Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. This stark contrast highlights a considerable shift in environmental enforcement priorities.
Meanwhile, the financial markets reacted to global events. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose, with the index surpassing 50,000 for the first time. This surge followed a significant rebound in the stock market, fueled by chipmakers and airlines. The yield on the 10-year Treasury also increased.
In international news, a U.S.-India trade deal was finalized, aimed at improving relations between the two countries. "After months of wrangling and much tension, India and the U.S. have finally released a framework for an interim trade agreement," according to NPR. The deal, however, has received mixed reactions, with some in India expressing disapproval.
In other developments, a study published in Nature News highlighted that oil- and gas-producing regions in the United States are emitting significantly more methane than reported to government regulators. The research indicated that emissions could be up to five times higher than the figures provided by the companies.
Additionally, a correction was issued to a previously published article in Nature, addressing an error in the presentation of data. The corrected version of the article, which focused on environmentally driven immune imprinting and its impact on allergies, has been updated online.
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