Brief Summary
The Trump administration's EPA is attempting to repeal the Endangerment Finding, a declaration that greenhouse gases endanger human lives, which empowers the government to regulate polluting industries. This finding, backed by science and upheld by the Supreme Court, has been crucial in curbing emissions from major polluters and reducing tailpipe pollution. Earthjustice and others have successfully defended it against legal challenges for 16 years. The potential repeal threatens to exacerbate climate change impacts like floods, droughts, and wildfires. The public has until September 15th to submit comments urging the government to preserve the Endangerment Finding.
- Endangerment Finding is a critical tool for fighting climate change.
- EPA's attempt to repeal it is a form of climate denialism that will cost lives.
- Public action is needed to protect the Endangerment Finding.
The Endangerment Finding
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration aims to eliminate the Endangerment Finding, a key instrument in the fight against climate change. This finding officially recognizes the danger that the accumulation of greenhouse gases poses to human lives, thus obligating the government to shield citizens from high-emitting industries. The Endangerment Finding is supported by strong scientific evidence and has been validated by the Supreme Court.
Impact of Repealing the Finding
The Endangerment Finding enables the regulation of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide and methane, emitted by major polluters such as oil and gas operations and power plants. It has also facilitated the reduction of tailpipe pollution from vehicles. For the past 16 years, the finding has successfully overcome numerous legal challenges, including those Earthjustice helped to defeat.
Call to Action
The current EPA seeks to repeal the Endangerment Finding, which would essentially grant polluters a free pass, with the public bearing the consequences. Such climate denialism is projected to result in loss of life, with the increasing frequency and intensity of events like floods, droughts, and wildfires. The government should confront reality and shield the public from the detrimental effects of climate pollution, rather than supporting the industries responsible for it. The public is urged to take action and submit comments by September 15th, opposing any attempts to undermine the Endangerment Finding.
