In general, the regulation spirit on both sides of the Atlantic pursue the same goals, i.e. people's health, well-being, etc.) albeit with different methods and intensity.
Easy to agree that populations in general aspire to the same protection for their health and/or the environment => argument in favor of an alignment in standards.
The trade agreement will enable both the US and the EU to:
- Develop new regulations (e.g. related to the environment)
- Review existing regulations and aligning them
The questions/controversy lies on the definition of the minimum common standards BUT these standards won't affect your ability as a consumer to choose higher standards