G20 RECAP: Cementing U.S. Leadership on Global Stage, the Trump EPA Wins International Support on Cutting Red Tape and Water Reuse, Announces Largest Power Sector Deregulation in U.S. History, Signs MOU with Italy Ahead of 2028 Olympics

 

G20 RECAP: Cementing U.S. Leadership on Global Stage, the Trump EPA Wins International Support on Cutting Red Tape and Water Reuse, Announces Largest Power Sector Deregulation in U.S. History, Signs MOU with Italy Ahead of 2028 Olympics 

September 18, 2026

Contact Information

EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov) 

 

HOUSTON – Under President Trump’s leadership and with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought global leaders together at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, Texas from September 14-16. This international working group was designed to refocus the G20 into an effective organization that carries out its core mission, driving economic prosperity and achieving progress on unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens, unlocking affordable and secure energy supply chains, and pioneering innovations in AI and emerging technologies. 

Read a summary of the event below. 

 

EPA Leads G20 Ministers to Consensus on Regulatory Efficiency Initiatives in Houston and Water Reuse 

 

During the G20, EPA led the G20 Ministers in attendance to consensus on the need for permitting reform and advancing water reuse in two outcome documents, available here and here. These landmark statements underscore the commitment of G20 nations to advancing energy abundance through strengthened water security and regulatory modernization. Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA is cutting red tape to grow the economy while protecting the environment, and the international community is recognizing U.S. leadership on these issues globally.

 

EPA Finalizes Repeal of 2024 Power Plant Regulations

 

Joined onstage by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum and National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) Executive Director Jarrod Agen, Administrator Zeldin announced the repeal of the majority of the Biden administration's greenhouse gas requirements for U.S. power plants, an action EPA projects will save $310 billion, and proposed rescinding every remaining greenhouse gas standard for the power sector. If finalized, the new proposal would save an additional $370 million in direct compliance costs, in addition to the billions more American families and businesses can expect to see saved across the economy. Together, the moves restore reliable and affordable baseload power for the communities that depend on them.

  

EPA Hosts Global G20 Forum on Regulatory Efficiency in Houston 

 

EPA hosted the G20 Regulatory Efficiency Symposium, bringing together G20 ministers, multinational business leaders and senior EPA officials to share practical approaches to faster, more predictable permitting. Held ahead of the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group Ministerial meetings, the Symposium advanced President Trump’s vision for pragmatic regulation that delivers results, providing businesses the certainty they need to invest and build, unlocking energy abundance and strengthening global resilience. 

Administrator Zeldin, EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Usha Turner, and EPA Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Strategy Pouya Lavian led three panels: Creating the Conditions for Investment; Government Perspectives on Modern Permitting; and the Future of Permitting. Business participants included Drew Marsh, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy; Mark Nelson, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Oil, Products & Gas at Chevron; Chase Lochmiller, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crusoe; and Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis. The panelists from G20 countries included ministers and representatives from Japan, Poland, the European Union, Canada, Indonesia, and Italy.

 

United States and Italy Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Environmental Protection at Major Events

 

Administrator Lee Zeldin met with Italy’s Deputy Minister of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) Vannia Gava at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Italy to strengthen environmental protection at large-scale events. The partnership builds upon lessons learned from Italy’s successful hosting of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and will help the United States to better protect human health and the environment at the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.  

This three-year agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and information sharing to strengthen each country’s respective programs to tackle food loss and waste, boost recycling and water reuse, implement circular economy strategies, and take other innovative approaches to protect human health and the environment while hosting major events.

 

EPA Administrator Zeldin Launches G20 Initiative to Advance Water Security 

Administrator Lee Zeldin launched the G20 Water Reuse Initiative during the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Session, advancing a shared framework for expanding the safe reuse of treated water as demand from industry, agriculture, and energy production continues to rise. Every G20 member assembled in Houston agreed to the Water Reuse Outcome Document spearheaded by EPA. 

The Initiative is built on a "fit-for-purpose" approach, treating water to the quality its intended use requires, grounded in rigorous science, rather than forcing every application through a single standard. Water reuse can reduce pressure on freshwater supplies, improve drought resilience, and enhance the reliability of critical infrastructure.