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As Trump administration eases EPA regulations, Houston could pay a price

Washington — Since President Trump took office in January, his Environmental Protection Agency has been both slashing and reconsidering dozens of rules designed to fight pollution. The White House is also firing many of the EPA staffers who enforce the rules that remain. 

This week, CBS News visited a Houston neighborhood that’s near an NRG Energy coal-fired power plant, the largest in Texas. 

When CBS News visited the same neighborhood in December, Mr. Trump had just been elected to a second term, promising the energy industry that he would roll back environmental regulations that protect air quality. 

“I think of pollution as a silent and invisible killer,” Dr. Winston Liaw, chair of the Health Systems and Population Health Sciences Department at the University of Houston, told CBS News.

Liaw treats patients who run a higher risk of lung disease, asthma and heart attacks due to emissions from oil refineries, chemical plants and coal plants in the Houston area. 

He explained how the air in Houston can impact human health.

“There are these tiny particles, and they’re so small that they bypass a lot of our defenses,” Liaw said. “And then they start injuring all sorts of tissue in our body.”

A 2018 study from Rice University found that pollution from the NRG plant contributes to 177 premature deaths per year. 

In April, the Trump administration gave 68 plants — including the NRG plant in the Rice study — a two-year exemption from complying with federal regulations intended to lower mercury emissions, a powerful toxin that can affect the brain.

CBS News analyzed the Trump administration’s exemptions and found that nearly 65% of these plants are located within 3 miles of low-income, minority communities.  

“Bottom line is, who’s more at risk are poor people,” said Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy group that has led an effort to try and close almost two-thirds of the nation’s coal plants.

“When you start increasing production of coal-fired power plants, you’re going to kill more people, and you’re going to cause more heart attacks, and you’re going to cause more asthma attacks,” Jealous said.

In a statement provided to CBS News, NRG Energy said its “coal units operate in compliance with the current Mercury Air Toxics Standards (MATS) and will operate in compliance with any future MATS requirements.”

In a separate statement, the Trump administration said Biden-era coal plant regulations “stacked burdensome regulations on top of the longstanding Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, raising the risk of coal-fired plants shutting down – which would eliminate thousands of jobs, strain our electrical grid, and undermine our national security by leaving America vulnerable to electricity shortages.” 

Jealous argues that coal is not a more reliable energy source than renewable energies.

“The argument that coal gives you more reliable energy isn’t valid,” Jealous said. “Solar, wind and batteries gives you the most reliable, the most resilient grid.”

More importantly, he said, for the people of Houston and across the country, renewable energy means less pollution. 

David Schechter

David Schechter is a national environmental correspondent and the host of “On the Dot with David Schechter,” a guided journey to explore how we’re changing the earth and earth is changing us.

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Tips for lowering your energy costs as summer temperatures rise

With weather forecasts showing above-normal temperatures throughout the country this summer, heat-weary Americans will soon likely be turning up their air conditioners for relief. But that comfort will come at a cost.

Home electricity bills are expected to reach their highest average rate in 12 years, at $784 for the summer period, according to a recent analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). The elevated cost comes as a one-two punch for families already financially strapped after this winter season’s higher-than-average heating costs.

Those most impacted by higher summer utility bills will be lower-income households, which often lack the resources to cover monthly payments. About one in four households say they can’t pay their energy bills, according to the most recent Census Household Pulse Survey. 

The stakes for keeping cool are high. “Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year,” according to the National Weather Service. Higher temperatures can lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat waves are already hitting parts of the U.S. like Texas. As Mayo Clinic points out, unexpected fluctuations in the temperature often catch people off guard.

For those looking for relief from high temperatures and high bills, experts offer helpful suggestions. “There are simple things to do,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA. “You can do them now, and they pay off.”

Here are tips to reduce your energy costs as summer heats up. 

Low-hanging fruit

As a starting point, Americans can tackle low-hanging fruit options, like using a fan in place of, or in addition to an AC. Fans use far less electricity than air conditioners and are priced more reasonably, whether you’re looking for a box fan, a pedestal fan or another model. 

For those with ceiling fans there’s a hack for staying extra cool. Experts recommend setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during summer months, as doing so pushes warm air down and keeps a cool breeze going. In the fall and winter, rotation should be switched back to clockwise so that as warm air rises, it’s circulated throughout the room, said Laurie Wheelock, executive director and counsel at New York’s Utility Project (PULP).

If you use an AC, make sure to change the air filter regularly. Wolfe recommends replacing AC filters monthly during the summer, to help units run more efficiently. For those who plan to keep their unit running during the day, you can set it to a few degrees higher before you leave your home to conserve energy.

Wolfe advises setting your AC temperature between 70°F and 78°F when you are at home, and 78°F when the house is empty. 

Other small adjustments to keep your space cool include using indoor plants to create shade, keeping your curtains closed to block out the sunlight during the day, investing in reflective blinds or UV-reflective film for windows. Also, limit your oven use and make sure to turn it off right after using it, as it can warm up your space significantly, said Wolfe.

For general energy conservation, experts suggest unplugging small appliances or electronics when you’re not using them. Wolfe also recommends running your refrigerator and freezer at the regular temperature as directed by the manufacturer. 

“Running them at cooler temperatures might seem like a good idea in the summer, but that can drive up electricity costs and potentially wear out the electrical appliance,” he said.

Also, make sure nothing is blocking the airflow of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Plant life or other obstacles in front of vents can make units less efficient, Wolfe noted. 

Look to your state or utility company for help

While it may seem counter-intuitive, your utility company may be able to help you bear the cost burden of higher bills. 

“Some utilities run programs to help make your home more energy efficient in the summer,” said Wolfe. “They’ll offer rebates if you buy more efficient air conditioners, no-cost audits of your home, and they’ll subsidize the cost of installing more insulation.” 

In New York, for example, energy giants ConEd and National Grid have monthly discount programs that provide bill credits to low-income households. Wheelock said PULP has seen ConEd customers save $30 to $45 per month on gas an electricity as part of New York’s Energy Affordability program, which is administered by the state’s major electric and natural gas utilities. 

State governments can also be a useful resource. Depending on where you live, your local government may offer free home energy assessments, weatherization assistance or an energy efficiency program designs to help residents lower their electricity bill. 

For those struggling to make ends meet, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded initiative with a network of state-run programs, provides financial assistance to low-income households.

HEAP provides eligible households, including apartments, with air conditioning units or fans, up to a value of $800, according to WE ACT for Environment Justice, a New York-based environmental justice organization.

“Anyone at risk of service termination who is low-income should contact their local Department of Social Services to discuss financial assistance programs including Emergency Energy Assistance,” said Wheelock.

Invest in long-term solutions

With hotter temperatures here to stay, Wolfe said it may be worth investing in more permanent measures like improving your home’s insulation or updating your ductwork. This will improve ventilation, keep cold air locked in and make your home more energy efficient overall.

Another option is installing a smart thermostat, which allows you to remotely control the temperature of your space. They can also automatically adjust heating and cooling based on when you’re home. Models like Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Essential or Google’s Nest Smart Learning Thermostat typically run anywhere from $100 to $200.

These investments may cost more upfront but will save you money over time, says Wolfe. “In making your home more energy efficient, the savings will pay for the improvements,” he said.

For those ready to make an even bigger leap, installing a heat pump, switching to central air or upgrading your HVAC or AC system to one with a high Energy Star rating are other long-term investments. 

Something to keep in mind before you make any of these purchases is whether electricity in your state is high enough to warrant the investment.

“If you’re in like the northeast using heating oil, heat pumps make a lot of sense,” said Wolfe.

Even before you buy a home, it’s worth investigating what the energy bills will look like. You can do this by getting an energy audit from a utility company, said Wolfe.

Mary Cunningham

Mary Cunningham is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. Before joining the business and finance vertical, she worked at “60 Minutes,” CBSNews.com and CBS News 24/7 as part of the CBS News Associate Program.

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The Silent Revolution: How Electric Cars Are Quietly Cleaning Cities

Electric vehicles do more than cut carbon, they’re quietly transforming the way cities breathe, move and grow. Unsplash+

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of sustainable urban life, improving air quality and lowering transportation-related emissions. More than a cleaner alternative to internal combustion (ICE) vehicles, EVs are reshaping how cities reduce pollution, improve public health and adapt to climate change. In 2023 alone, global EV sales grew by 35 percent, with U.S. sales rising by more than 40 percent, signaling a dramatic acceleration in adoption. This silent revolution is backed by policy mandates, cost incentives and growing public demand for cleaner transportation options.

EVs significantly reduce air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter in cities. Studies have shown that regions with high EV penetration see measurable improvements in local air quality, contributing to improved public health outcomes. For residents in high-traffic neighborhoods, this shift means fewer tailpipe emissions on their block, cleaner air to breathe and fewer respiratory issues tied to pollution.

Among the biggest advantages of electric vehicles is how efficiently they use energy. Gas-powered cars waste most of their fuel as heat—only about 12 percent to 30 percent actually moves the car. In contrast, EVs use over 75 percent of their energy to power the wheels. That means less waste and more mileage from the same amount of energy. Even when electricity comes from fossil fuels, EVs are still cleaner overall. On average, they deliver the emissions equivalent of 70 to 180 miles per gallon—far beyond what any gas car can match.

There are valid concerns about the carbon cost of battery manufacturing. Producing a typical EV battery emits between 2,400 and 16,000 kg of CO₂. This broad range can be attributed to numerous factors such as battery size, manufacturing location, energy sources used in production and the efficiency of supply chain and material extraction processes. On the flip side, the average gas-powered car emits roughly 43,500 kg of CO₂ over a standard 150,000-mile lifespan, a massive multiplier. Even in the worst-case scenario—battery production combined with coal-generated electricity—EVs still generate less lifetime carbon than ICE vehicles. In regions using cleaner energy mixes like solar or hydro, EV emissions can drop to less than half that of their gasoline counterparts.

Ownership costs also favor EVs. A 2024 Atlas Public Policy study found that EVs can save owners between $7,000 and $11,000 across the lifetime of the vehicle due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs. With fewer moving parts and regenerative braking systems, EVs have lower service requirements compared to ICE vehicles. While insurance premiums can be higher, the total cost of ownership is increasingly favorable, especially as battery prices fall and competition among automakers increases.

Range anxiety remains a barrier to adoption, but charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Public and private investment is increasing the number of fast-charging stations across the U.S., as more than 200,000 public charging ports are now available across the country, according to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. In cities, the growth of on-street and garage charging stations is making EV ownership more practical for apartment dwellers and those without private driveways. Still, rural communities face slower rollout, and their EV adoption lags behind urban areas by 40 percent in the U.S. as a result. However, these areas often have the advantage of higher homeownership rates and detached housing, making it easier to install home chargers.

Policy also plays a critical role in accelerating adoption. Governments worldwide are introducing mandates to phase out gas cars, alongside incentives like tax credits, rebates and infrastructure grants. The EU plans to phase out new ICE vehicle sales by 2035, and China’s New Energy Vehicle policy aims to have EVs comprise 40 percent of all car sales by 2030, setting the pace for global EV adoption. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act provides up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for eligible EVs, while states and cities add further benefits. At the city level, these policies can directly translate into cleaner bus routes, low-emission zones and incentives for residents to make the switch—shaping healthier, quieter neighborhoods in the process. Major hubs like New York and Los Angeles are electrifying bus fleets, enforcing low-emission zones and providing grants to small businesses that switch to electric delivery vans.

While battery supply chains, recycling and infrastructure equity remain ongoing challenges, the cumulative data support EVs as a cornerstone of sustainable urban transportation. The shift toward electric mobility is not only reshaping the automotive industry—it is redefining how cities combat pollution, adapt to climate change and build long-term resilience.



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