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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Maine voters who backed Trump still want EPA protections

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Thursday, December 19, 2024   

A majority of Republicans and Democrats oppose attempts to weaken the regulatory power of the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new poll. The Environmental Protection Network finds 76% of Trump voters and 86% of all voters want legislation such as the Clean Air Act to remain in place.

Matt George, partner and head of research with communications firm Seven Letter, said the data was collected before President-elect Donald Trump chose former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the agency.

"The majority of voters really do recognize the value of regulations that keep our air and water clean and keep us healthy, and they want to maintain those regulations," he said.

George added opposition to weakening the EPA is higher among Latino, suburban and independent voters that shifted Republican in this year's presidential race. According to the League of Conservation Voters, during his time in office, Zeldin repeatedly voted against clean-water and clean-air legislation.

A recent EPN report found widespread benefits from agency regulations, showing rules passed during the last four years will save more than 200,000 lives through 2050, prevent more than 100 million asthma attacks, and deliver more than $250-billion in net public health gains each year. George added that support for the EPA has increased since 2017.

"We see that those numbers have only gotten better in 2024, in this year where we have one percentage point gain in 'strengthened' or 'expanded,' but we see that the numbers for 'weakened' or 'eliminated' have been cut effectively in half," he continued.

The poll found almost two-thirds of voters who supported Trump in the election expressed concern that his EPA pick would put the interests of corporations ahead of protecting clean water, clean air and public health. Maine has most recently benefitted from EPA grants to cope with contamination of so-called "forever chemicals" and federal funding to replace lead-based water infrastructure.


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In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

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A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …


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