US environmental policy sees major shifts: Trump picks Zeldin, Biden tightens methane rules, Supreme Court limits climate actions, Pruitt resigns

Several significant changes have occurred in US environmental policy recently. Donald Trump has nominated Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If confirmed, Zeldin would spearhead Republican efforts to roll back Biden-era regulations that limit pollution from power plants and vehicle tailpipes.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration's EPA has launched a crackdown on methane emissions. The rule's rollout at 3 a.m. was timed to coincide with the ongoing UN climate talks in Dubai to amplify international pressure.

In a separate development, the US Supreme Court has significantly limited Biden's climate policy, making it harder for federal agencies to combat climate change. This comes amid accumulating warnings from scientists that human-caused climate change is increasing the likelihood of severe floods, droughts, storms, and other calamities.

Additionally, Scott Pruitt has resigned as EPA chief following months of an unceasing cascade of scandals.