Following Donald Trump’s re-election, environmental scientists are raising urgent concerns about the resurgence of acid rain due to his administration’s history of rolling back crucial environmental protections. Dr. Gene Likens, who first discovered the phenomenon in the 1960s, warns that Trump’s previous policies, which weakened air pollution regulations, allowed for a significant increase in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources. These pollutants are the primary causes of acid rain, which devastates ecosystems by acidifying soil and water, harming forests, freshwater biodiversity, and agricultural crops. Experts fear that a second Trump term will intensify deregulatory efforts, giving a free pass to industries responsible for the pollution that fuels acid rain.
Regions like the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Appalachian areas, which suffered extensive damage from acid rain in the 1980s, could again see rising pH levels in rainfall and increased sulfate deposits, severely impacting water quality and biodiversity. These areas are especially vulnerable due to their historical exposure to acid rain’s damaging effects. Beyond the environmental toll, acid rain leads to structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, causing billions in repair costs. The pollution also threatens public health, with acid rain contributing to respiratory problems and water contamination. Although the Biden administration has worked to restore stricter regulations, the renewed focus on fossil fuel development under Trump could undo these efforts. Further weakening of the Clean Air Act would leave the U.S. unprepared to handle a return of acid rain, with long-term consequences for both the environment and the economy. More