This policy change indicates a shift in prioritizing economic recovery and energy production over stringent environmental safeguards. Affected communities, particularly those with high pollution levels and minority populations, may find less advocacy and support in their struggles against environmental degradation. E.P.A. Administrator Lee Zeldin defended these adjustments, suggesting they will enable the agency to better concentrate on its core mission while supporting economic growth. The implications of these changes on long-term environmental health remain a topic of serious concern among advocates and experts alike.