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President Donald Trump announced sweeping changes on Tuesday morning related to “common sense” reversals of former President Joe Biden’s changes at the Environmental Protection Agency, including the return of traditional light bulbs.
Trump ordered his new EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to implement several changes “immediately.”
“I am hereby instructing Secretary Lee Zeldin to immediately go back to my Environmental Orders, which were terminated by Crooked Joe Biden, on Water Standards and Flow pertaining to SINKS, SHOWERS, TOILETS, WASHING MACHINES, DISHWASHERS, etc., and to likewise go back to the common sense standards on LIGHTBULBS, that were put in place by the Trump Administration, but terminated by Crooked Joe. I look forward to signing these Orders. THANK YOU!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The order directly pushed back on several moves made by the Biden administration, such as washing machines, that many have argued are less efficient despite claims of being more environmentally friendly. The order could also change the recent shift ending sales of traditional light bulbs for LED bulbs.
Former New York Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin was confirmed to serve in the role last month. In a 56-42 vote, Zeldin sailed to his new position with all 53 Republican senators voting in favor, along with Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of Arizona and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
Zeldin celebrated the victory in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “CONFIRMED! Thank You to the 56 Senators for your vote and confidence,” Zeldin wrote.
The order also comes after Trump recently signed an order ending the forced use of paper straws.
“The Federal government is directed to stop purchasing paper straws and ensure they are no longer provided within Federal buildings,” the order stated. “The Order requires the development of a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws within 45 days to alleviate the forced use of paper straws nationwide.”
The latest move comes after federal agencies have started cutting “environmental justice” programs. The EPA had 168 workers reportedly leave its Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights last week.