Trump Rescues Coal, Ignores Air, Again
Trump's latest maneuver, exempting metallurgical coal—used for steelmaking—from Clean Air Act rules, is framed by The Hill as a push 'to protect American industry.' What they gloss over is the long, dirty history of politicians prioritizing corporate profits over public health, especially when it comes to coal. This isn't just about steel; it's about an administration, then and now, methodically
dismantling environmental protections (recall the dismantling of the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, for example) while gaslighting the public about its impact. One might wonder if the 'return' of these industries is worth the guaranteed uptick in respiratory illnesses and unchecked emissions. It appears 'making America great' includes turning back the clock on environmental regulations to an era
where black lung was a job hazard, not a historical footnote. How many times will we sacrifice our lungs for 'economic growth' before we realize the cost is always paid by the public, never the executives?