Closed-door sessions in Washington, DC, are raising red flags with some public health and environmental advocates, who believe Congress is trying to roll back important safeguards. The Midnight Rule Relief Act, which passed the House last week, could eliminate any rule finalized in the last several months of the Obama administration with a single vote. And the REINS Act would require any new regulations be approved by the House of Representatives in order to take effect. Former EPA Administrator Carol Browner says when it comes to the health and well-being of the American public, it's no place for political rhetoric.

"They want it both ways. They want to be able to pass laws saying 'We're for clean air,' but they don't really want the agencies to ever implement those laws and require actual reduction in greenhouse-gas pollution, air pollution that contributes to things like asthma and premature death."

She adds that the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head the EPA also concerns her, given his previous attempts to overturn climate regulations. Pruitt's confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled.