Trump Administration Rebuked By Courts Over Abandoned Soot Standard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2026
CONTACT: Gabrielle Levy, Glevy@cacampaign.org, 562-673-6974
CAC: Trump Administration Rebuked By Courts Over Abandoned Soot Standard
Washington — Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the EPA’s 2024 national air quality standard for fine particulate matter, or soot, rejecting the Trump administration’s cynical and unprecedented decision to abandon this lifesaving clean air standard. The stronger standard is projected to prevent thousands of premature deaths each year, and was defended in court by health, environmental, and community groups, alongside a coalition of states after the EPA walked away from the soot standard. Margie Alt, Director of the Climate Action Campaign (CAC), released the following statement in response:
“Today, the courts delivered not just a verdict, but a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration’s Polluters First Agenda. Since Trump and his EPA administrator Lee Zeldin wouldn’t protect you and your lungs, a federal court forced them to do it.
“The EPA’s betrayal of its own mission was unprecedented, and we’re grateful the court rejected EPA’s attempt to abandon its lifesaving soot standard, and walk away from a safeguard projected to prevent 4,500 premature deaths a year. That’s the Polluters First Agenda in action: surrender children’s health, seniors’ lives, and clean air to industry’s bottom line.
“The court saw through this giveaway. Now, Lee Zeldin’s EPA must stop stalling and implement the 2024 standard without delay. This is a win for Americans, who deserve to breathe clean air. The law and the science are clear, and courts won’t let Trump or his EPA ignore it.”
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About the Climate Action Campaign
Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a vibrant coalition driving ambitious, durable, equitable federal action to tackle the climate crisis. By cutting carbon pollution and accelerating the transition to clean energy, we will improve public health and create a more resilient economy and a more sustainable future for all.
