In recent years, environmental regulation has become a central issue in United States politics as climate change and its consequences have become a more pressing concern. On one side, supporters argue that addressing climate change through environmental regulations is essential regardless of the economic cost, as the long-term consequences could be catastrophic. On the other side, critics claim that government environmental regulations threaten economic prosperity and individual liberties. This has created differing policy stances on environmental regulations.
The Democratic Stance on Environmental Regulations Policy
The Democratic policy stance is generally supportive of environmental regulations, and these regulations are more popular among Democrats than Republicans.
Polling shows that 65% of Democratic voters believe in the necessity of governmental environmental regulations. Additionally, 82% of Democrats think that such regulations are worth the cost. This support is consistent across generations of Democratic voters.
Accordingly, the Democratic Party platform commits to restoring and strengthening the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to instate environmental regulations that support clean air, water standards, and public lands protections. The platform also highlights its commitment to global cooperation on climate change since President Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. In general, Democrats view environmental regulation as a tool to achieve several objectives: combating climate change, fostering innovation in clean energy technologies, and promoting environmental justice. A core focus of their policies is to prioritize communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental degradation, aiming to rectify historical injustices and ensure equitable access to a healthy environment. This approach underscores the Democratic Party’s dedication to environmental protection and sustainability.
The Republican Stance on Environmental Regulations Policy
The Republican Party’s political stance on environmental regulation is less supportive than that of Democrats.
Polling shows that only 39% of Republican voters believe in the necessity of governmental environmental regulations. Moreover, 71% of Republicans say that environmental regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. However, generational differences exist, as only 57% of Gen Z and 64% of Millennial Republicans agree with the older majority. This suggests younger conservatives are more open to environmental policy reform.
During his presidency, Donald Trump rolled back more than 125 environmental protection policies and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. When asked specifically about the Trump Administration, which is notoriously opposed to environmental regulations, 65% of Republicans reported that they agree with the administration’s environmental regulations and policies, while only 8% of Democrats said the same.
Furthermore, the Republican platform condemns the EPA for being an overreach of federal power. It calls for eliminating regulations that, in their view, reduce economic growth, job creation, and innovation. The GOP argues that excessive environmental laws often raise costs for businesses and consumers, making them inefficient solutions to environmental issues.
Public Opinion on Environmental Regulation Policies
Despite partisan division, the broader American public generally supports government regulations on the environment. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that Americans support several specific environmental regulations that target reducing the effects of climate change. 76% of Americans support the government providing a tax credit to businesses that develop carbon capture technologies, and 70% support taxing corporations based on their carbon emissions. The same survey found that 63% of U.S. adults say that the federal government is not doing enough to protect the quality of lakes, rivers, and streams. 58% of Americans say that they aren’t doing enough to protect air quality, and 55% say that they aren’t doing enough to protect animals and their habitats. About half (48%) of Americans believe there are too few regulations that protect open lands in national parks and nature preserves.
Another 2023-2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 60% of Americans believe stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost, while only 38% think these regulations will cost too many jobs or harm the economy. The Pew Research Center found that younger generations show the strongest support for this. 59% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials agree with stricter environmental regulations, while only 33% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials think the cost of these regulations is too high. While support among Gen X (54%) and Boomers 52% is still the majority, the gap between those for and against regulations is narrower in older generations.
Lastly, public satisfaction with environmental regulations tends to be lower during Republican administrations. Gallup data shows that over 60% of Americans have said the government is doing too little on the environment during Republican presidencies, including George H.W. Bush’s administration (1992), George W. Bush’s Administration (2006), and Donald Trump’s administration (2018-2020). In contrast, the lowest concern was during President Obama’s terms (2010-2015) when fewer than 50% expressed the same view.
A Brief History of Environmental Regulations in the US
Environmental regulations are a relatively recent development in U.S. policy. A major turning point for environmental regulations came in 1969 when the Cuyahoga River in Ohio caught fire due to extreme pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the event sparked public outcry and led to significant environmental reforms, such as the Clean Water Act and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
On December 2, 1970, the EPA was officially established to centralize federal environmental policies. Following this, numerous acts and laws were enacted to protect humans from harm caused by pollution or hazardous chemicals. In the 1970s, these acts focused on maintaining clean air through fuel economy testing for vehicles, public transit investment, the phasing out of leaded gasoline, and numerous pesticide bans.
Through the 1980s, many toxic chemicals were restricted or banned. This included the Asbestos Testing in Schools Act of 1982, the ‘Right to Know’ Law for chemical safety of 1986, and the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances
The 2010s were marked by a greater focus on environmental regulations that addressed the growing concerns over climate change. In 2013, President Obama announced the Climate Action Plan that emphasized carbon reduction, climate resilience, and international leadership. In 2016, President Obama signed the Paris Climate Accord, uniting 196 nations in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the next years became a power struggle as President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement in 2019, and President Biden reentered the United States into the Paris Agreement in 2021.
What the Future Holds
Environmental regulation remains a deeply polarized issue, but public opinion is gradually shifting toward stronger protection, especially among younger Americans. The federal government’s approach to environmental regulations will likely vary based on which party holds power, evidenced by the many rollbacks that President Trump’s second term in office has brought. States will also play a key role, with blue states enacting stricter standards and red states resisting or rolling back regulations. As climate change issues intensifies, the pressure on lawmakers to act will grow. This will make politicians’ stances on environmental policy in the U.S. a defining issue for future elections.
To compare political parties’ views on other key policy topics, visit Biasly’s full list of Political Party Policy Stances.
To unlock more data-driven insights into media bias, explore political leanings with research-backed tools, and customize your news feed around what matters most to you, sign up for a Biasly Premium News Membership.