Trump Revokes EPA Ruling, Antitrust Chief Resigns Amidst Economic Concerns
WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump reversed a key Obama-era scientific ruling on greenhouse gases, while a top US antitrust official resigned amidst tensions with Trump officials, as the US economy showed signs of both growth and labor market stagnation, according to recent reports. These developments come as an AI safety researcher issued a cryptic warning about the state of the world and Iran fortifies an underground complex near a nuclear site.
Trump's decision to revoke the 2009 "endangerment finding" by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which concluded that greenhouse gases threatened public health, was announced recently. This ruling had served as the legal foundation for federal efforts to curb emissions, particularly in vehicles. The White House characterized the reversal as the "largest deregulation in American history," claiming it would reduce costs for automakers by $2,400 per vehicle, according to BBC World. Environmental groups, however, have criticized the move as a significant rollback of environmental protections.
Simultaneously, Gail Slater, the US antitrust chief appointed by Trump, announced her resignation, sparking concerns that the White House was retreating from anti-monopoly enforcement. Slater's departure, revealed on social media, was described as a sign of underlying tensions.
The US economy presented a mixed picture. While the economy is growing, the labor market showed signs of a freeze, with job openings and hiring rates dropping to multi-year lows, according to BBC Business. Jacob Trigg, a former project manager in the tech industry, shared his experience of applying for over 2,000 jobs without success, highlighting the challenges faced by some job seekers. "It's a huge surprise because I've always been able to get a job very easily," Trigg said, according to BBC Business.
Adding to the complex landscape, an AI safety researcher from Anthropic resigned with a warning that the "world is in peril," according to BBC Technology. Mrinank Sharma, in his resignation letter, cited concerns about AI, bioweapons, and the broader global situation. He plans to pursue writing and poetry.
In international news, Iran has been fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities, according to analysis of satellite images. This activity occurs amid ongoing talks between Iranian and US officials, with Trump threatening potential military action if a new nuclear deal is not reached, according to BBC World. Experts suggest the facility may be designed to protect against potential attacks.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment