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EPA weakens air pollution rules, cancer survival soars, and NASA evacuates astronauts

Jan 19, 2026
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INSIGHT

How EPA Quantifies Health Benefits

  • The EPA ties health studies to economic estimates using models and the value of a statistical life to quantify benefits of pollution rules.
  • That calculation lets regulators compare human-health gains with industry compliance costs to decide on rules.
INSIGHT

EPA Drops Dollar Valuation For Key Pollutants

  • The new EPA rule stops calculating dollar values for PM2.5 and ozone health benefits, removing a major quantification tool.
  • Without those dollar estimates, regulators lose a key way to justify stricter pollution controls.
INSIGHT

Weakened Rules Likely Mean Dirtier Air

  • Experts warn the policy change will likely produce higher pollutant levels because it hamstrings benefit-cost comparisons.
  • Reduced ability to show benefits makes stricter regulation less likely to pass cost-based tests.
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