My head spun around like a top when I read this headline this week: “EPA eliminates rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.” I must be dreaming, right? In my many years as editor of Green Lodging News, like most of you in the lodging industry, I have always considered the Environmental Protection Agency a reliable partner, a government organization to look up to for leadership, guidance, education, and even celebration. Today, the EPA represents a mission that runs counter to what every leading company in our industry is striving for.
It was on Monday, September 14 that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized the largest power sector deregulatory action in U.S. history, repealing the majority of the Biden administration’s greenhouse gas requirements for power plants. The Biden administration required existing coal plants and new natural gas plants to control 90 percent of their carbon dioxide emissions. EPA also proposed rescinding every remaining greenhouse gas standard for the power sector. Ironically, the EPA itself has said that power plants are the second-largest source of planet-warming emissions in the U.S. behind the transportation sector.
In February, the EPA overturned the endangerment finding that underpinned its authority to regulate greenhouse gases from motor vehicles, the largest source of climate pollution.
Clean Air Act in Question
The EPA says the federal government does not have authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants based on climate change. This rule, which is still subject to finalization, would prevent future administrations from regulating power plant emissions to fight climate change.
The end result for me and you, our families, your loyal team members and your guests is dirtier, more toxic air and dirtier water from dirtier sources. Fossil fuel combustion produces pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone and health issues like asthma.
Really, this is all part of a Trump trend. Previously, his administration acknowledged in court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in grants for hundreds of clean energy projects “based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient’s state.” Does the man realize that no matter the party, we all breathe the same air?
Wind Energy is Bad?
Our president has also slashed federal support for projects to build battery plants, develop hydrogen technology, upgrade the electric grid and capture carbon dioxide emissions. Earlier this summer, the Trump administration agreed to pay out about $4 billion to companies to encourage them not to build out offshore wind energy projects. My head spun after that one as well.
All of this comes as 2026 most likely will be one of the hottest years on record. August was the hottest month in history. The global average surface temperature of the world’s oceans reached a record high of 21.11°C (70.0°F) in late August.
Our president has said he believes climate change is a “con job” and “scam” so his actions should not come as a surprise. Ironically, it was under a Republican administration (Nixon) that the EPA was established in 1970.
Dirty Energy Off the Hook
There’s no question that the EPA hindering its own ability to regulate power plants under the Clean Air Act will save the fossil fuel industry money. Without the rule, power plant operators will no longer have to make investments required to meet emissions standards, including in carbon capture and storage technology. It could also keep some coal-fired power plants open longer—an effort the government has been actively supporting through controversial orders that forced plants to remain open despite plans to retire.
Our president’s actions are anti-science, profit-motivated, made with the welfare of Big Oil and Coal in mind, harmful to our health, and most definitely bad for U.S. branding and travel and tourism. As a hotelier himself, you would think he would better understand, but no.
Feel like writing to the president? Click here to do so. I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Green Lodging News Welcomes TIPMO to Green Product & Service Directory
Green Lodging News has added TIPMO to the “Digital Tipping” category of its Green Product & Service Directory. TIPMO is a secure, NFC-powered digital tipping platform built specifically for hospitality. One simple tap gives guests an effortless way to recognize great service, while a single platform supports tipping across housekeeping, bell, valet, food and beverage, spa, and other guest-facing teams. TIPMO is designed around the complexity of hotel operations, supporting different service environments, team structures, and tipping models while keeping the guest experience simple and consistent. Behind it all, TIPMO Pulse gives operators visibility and control across departments and properties, bringing guest recognition, employee tipping, and operational management together in one powerful platform. Call (213) 282-3370 or e-mail doron@gratifid.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers, and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in our Green Supplier Spotlights!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes the Wednesday Green Supplier Spotlight and Thursday Green Suppliers Spotlight. Green Supplier Spotlight features just one vendor and Green Suppliers Spotlight features multiple vendors. Click here for a Green Supplier Spotlight sample and rate sheet. Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample and rate sheet. Both e-blasts that reach 17,803 subscribers have been built to generate quick leads. A report is sent a week after each e-blast that includes the number of e-mails sent, number of opens, and number of click-throughs. Contact Glenn Hasek at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com for more information.
Planning Advertising for 2026 or 2027?
In addition to the Spotlight ads described above, Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for other advertising spots for 2026 and for all spots in 2027. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. The Green Lodging News website last month welcomed 60,000 different visitors. Interested in receiving a 2026 media kit or 2027 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
