Have you ever stopped to think about the air you breathe or the water you drink? It’s easy to take these essentials for granted, but behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way we protect our environment. In just 100 days, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the leadership of Administrator Lee Zeldin, has rolled out an ambitious slate of 100 environmental actions aimed at restoring clean air, water, and land across the United States. These efforts, described as a cornerstone of “powering the American comeback,” signal a renewed focus on practical, results-driven environmental stewardship. As someone who’s always been fascinated by how policy can transform our daily lives, I find this milestone both inspiring and worth diving into. Let’s explore what these actions mean, why they matter, and how they’re setting the stage for a healthier future.
A Bold Start: 100 Days of Environmental Action
The first 100 days of any administration are often a litmus test for priorities, and the EPA’s recent flurry of activity has made one thing clear: environmental protection is back to basics. Instead of chasing abstract goals, the agency is doubling down on its core mission—ensuring clean air, clean water, and safe land for all Americans. According to Zeldin, these 100 actions reflect a commitment to “promises made, promises kept,” a nod to the public’s demand for tangible results. But what exactly are these actions, and how do they translate into real-world impact? Let’s break it down.
Cleaning Up Our Waterways
Water is life, plain and simple. Yet, too many communities have struggled with polluted rivers, contaminated groundwater, or aging infrastructure. The EPA’s recent efforts tackle these issues head-on, with several standout initiatives that caught my attention. For instance, the agency updated water quality standards for 38 miles of the Delaware River, a critical step to protect fish species and ensure the river remains a vital resource. Similarly, a decade-long plan to restore the Long Island Sound is now in motion, promising cleaner waters for coastal communities.
Our nation’s waters are the lifeblood of our communities, and we’re committed to keeping them clean for generations to come.
– EPA Administrator
Perhaps most exciting is the EPA’s work on PFAS, those pesky “forever chemicals” that have been making headlines. The agency developed a cutting-edge method to detect 40 different PFAS compounds in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater. This isn’t just a technical win—it’s a game-changer for communities worried about their drinking water. I can’t help but think about the families who’ll sleep better knowing their tap water is safer. Other notable water-focused actions include:
- Issuing action items to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis, a long-standing issue affecting border communities.
- Finalizing water quality assessments for Arkansas and approving plans to reduce E. coli in South Dakota’s Big Sioux River.
- Completing one of three in-water cleanups at the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site, removing 13,700 cubic yards of contaminated sediment.
Breathing Easier: Air Quality Initiatives
If clean water is the lifeblood, then clean air is the breath of our communities. The EPA’s air quality efforts are equally impressive, with a focus on practical solutions over ideological battles. One action that raised my eyebrows was the agency’s response to an unregulated geoengineering startup launching sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere for so-called “cooling credits.” The EPA demanded answers, signaling a no-nonsense approach to protecting our skies. It’s refreshing to see an agency call out questionable practices instead of turning a blind eye.
Other air quality wins include finalizing ozone compliance rules for the Washington, D.C. area and upgrading air monitoring systems, like the RadNet station in Edison, New Jersey, to detect airborne radioactivity. The EPA also awarded $1.26 million to monitor hydrogen sulfide near the Tijuana River, addressing sulfur odors that have plagued local residents. These actions aren’t just about meeting standards—they’re about making sure families can breathe easier, whether they’re in a bustling city or a rural town.
Restoring the Land: Superfund and Brownfields
Land contamination might not grab headlines like air or water issues, but it’s a silent threat that affects countless communities. The EPA’s work on Superfund sites and Brownfields is nothing short of heroic. These are places where hazardous waste has lingered for decades, often in low-income or marginalized areas. In just 100 days, the agency supported redevelopment at 21 Superfund sites across 13 states and completed cleanups at sites in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Missouri. One standout? The West Lake Landfill in St. Louis, where the cleanup timeline was slashed by two years.
What I find particularly inspiring is the EPA’s focus on turning these sites into economic opportunities. By making 27 Brownfields sites “Ready for Anticipated Use,” the agency is boosting property values and creating jobs in places like Hartshorne, Oklahoma, and West Memphis, Arkansas. It’s a reminder that environmental protection isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s about building a stronger future.
| Site Type | Action Taken | Impact |
| Superfund | Supported redevelopment at 21 sites | Restored land for community use |
| Brownfields | Completed 107 assessments | Boosted local economies |
| Hazardous Waste | Cleaned up 10,000 tons of asbestos | Protected public health |
Tackling Emerging Threats: PFAS and Beyond
Let’s talk about PFAS again because, frankly, it’s a big deal. These chemicals are everywhere—nonstick pans, firefighting foam, even some clothing. The EPA’s new detection method is a huge step, but they’re not stopping there. The agency also sampled tribal drinking water systems for PFAS, provided interim lab certification for Alaska, and coordinated well sampling near Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It’s the kind of proactive work that makes you feel like someone’s actually got your back.
Beyond PFAS, the EPA is cracking down on illegal pesticide imports, blocking over 200,000 pounds from entering the country. They’ve also reviewed 81 new chemicals and 14 pesticides to ensure they’re safe for humans and the environment. These actions might sound technical, but they’re about keeping our food, water, and air free from hidden dangers. I can’t help but wonder: how many health crises are we preventing with moves like these?
Disaster Response and Community Support
Natural disasters don’t wait for policy debates, and the EPA’s response to recent crises shows they’re ready to act. After catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles, the agency cleared 13,612 residential properties and removed hazardous materials in under 30 days. Similarly, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the EPA tested over 1,500 private wells in North Carolina and helped restore drinking water to 150,000 people. These aren’t just numbers—they’re lifelines for communities in distress.
When disaster strikes, we’re not just cleaning up; we’re rebuilding hope.
– Environmental official
The EPA also engaged directly with communities, holding 104 public meetings and conducting 6,000 one-on-one engagements to provide updates and support. It’s the kind of hands-on approach that makes you feel like the government is actually listening. For me, this is where the rubber meets the road—policy isn’t just about regulations; it’s about people.
Looking Ahead: A Cleaner, Stronger America
As I reflect on these 100 actions, I’m struck by their scope and ambition. From cleaning up Superfund sites to detecting PFAS in our water, the EPA is tackling challenges that have lingered for decades. But what excites me most is the focus on results over rhetoric. These actions aren’t about grand promises—they’re about delivering clean air, water, and land to every American, no matter where they live.
Of course, challenges remain. Pollution doesn’t vanish overnight, and new threats will always emerge. But with a clear-eyed approach and a commitment to action, the EPA is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how these efforts balance environmental protection with economic growth, proving that we don’t have to choose between the two.
- Continue monitoring PFAS: Expand detection and cleanup efforts to protect drinking water.
- Accelerate Superfund cleanups: Keep shaving years off timelines to restore contaminated land.
- Engage communities: Maintain transparency through public meetings and direct support.
In the end, the EPA’s 100 actions are more than a checklist—they’re a blueprint for what’s possible when we prioritize the essentials. Clean air, clean water, and safe land aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re the foundation of a thriving nation. As we look to the future, I’m optimistic that these efforts will inspire more Americans to care about the environment and demand accountability from those in charge. What do you think—could this be the start of a new era for environmental protection?
