EPA Administrator Zeldin Wraps Up 36 Hour Swing Through Salt Lake City, Utah
WASHINGTON – On Sunday April 6, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to make agency announcements on drinking water and air attainment, visit the Kennecott Copper Mine, meet with elected officials, and participate in a Make America Healthy Again Commission event alongside U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
“It is a priority for me to work directly with the regions and states, instead of leading from behind a desk in DC. It is essential to learn about the top environmental issues Americans face in communities across the nation and what we can do at EPA to more effectively carry out our mission,” said Administrator Zeldin. “Yesterday’s announcements in Utah are a direct result of communications with leaders throughout our country regarding water issues and air attainment. It is imperative we work closely with states to ensure we are together in lockstep to Power the Great American Comeback.”
“States have told us loud and clear that outdated guidance was unnecessarily burdensome,” said Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western. “Yesterday’s announcement is about cutting red tape and making it easier to demonstrate when foreign pollution is to blame so that states are not punished for things outside of their control. This will restore flexibility and minimize burden so that states can focus on real solutions for their communities not on paperwork exercises. This is a smart, practical step which enables states to target their resources in the areas that truly impact air quality.”
On Sunday, Administrator Zeldin toured Kennecott Copper Mine alongside Representative Burgess Owens (UT-04). This is the world’s largest open-pit copper mine. The Kennecott South Zone includes Bingham Mining District in the Oquirrh Mountains. The area includes Bingham Canyon open pit mine, associated waste rock dumps, Copperton Mill and many other historic sites. Mining activities at the site began in the 1860s and continue today. EPA is currently conducting a Five-Year Review (FYR) of the site to ensure that cleanup continues to protect public health and the environment. During this FYR, EPA will evaluate the site’s long-term protectiveness.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, Administrator Zeldin participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) focused on air attainment issues in Utah. They were joined by Representative Celeste Malloy (UT-02), and state and local officials. Prior to the meeting, Administrator Zeldin announced that EPA is rescinding its Guidance on the Preparation of Clean Air Act Section (CAA) 179B Demonstrations for Nonattainment Areas Affected by International Transport of Emissions. This guidance made it unnecessarily difficult for states to demonstrate that foreign air pollution is harming Americans within their borders. EPA intends to work with state and local air agencies to develop the evidence necessary to grant regulatory relief under CAA Section 179b. This announcement will give states needed ease and help Power the Great American Comeback.
Following the roundtable, the Administrator met with Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson (R-UT), U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, Senator Curtis, and Representative Malloy to discuss ways EPA and Utah can improve the lives of Utahns.
Administrator Zeldin concluded the day at a roundtable with Secretary Kennedy focused on Making America Healthy Again. Utah State Legislators, Utah health officials, and University of Utah representatives were also in attendance. At the roundtable, Administrator Zeldin announced that the agency is expeditiously reviewing new scientific information on the alleged health risks of fluoride in drinking water.
