Gov. Shapiro Joins Multi-State Suit Against EPA Over Climate Change

Mar 23, 2026, 2:20 AM

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Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has joined a multistate coalition of 25 attorneys general in a lawsuit against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its recent decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding. This formal acknowledgement by the EPA recognizes that greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles contribute to climate change and pose risks to public health and welfare.

The coalition, which includes California Attorney General Rob Bonta and governors from states such as Massachusetts and New York, argues that the EPA's actions violate the Clean Air Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. They contend that the rescission of the Endangerment Finding undermines decades of scientific consensus on the harmful impacts of greenhouse gases.

In his statement, Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of federal climate protections, stating that the Trump administration's decision to roll back these regulations prioritizes the interests of fossil fuel companies over public health. "The science is clear: climate change is real and urgent," Shapiro said, highlighting its potential to exacerbate environmental and health crises across the nation.

The lawsuit challenges the legality of the EPA's rescission, which the coalition claims will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, threatening not only environmental stability but also public health. The coalition asserts that this decision could result in "significant increases in the emission of greenhouse gases," with severe consequences for communities already affected by climate-related disasters.

California's Attorney General Bonta has been vocal about the implications of these changes, stating, "Our communities have felt the impact of destructive wildfires, watched families run from burning homes, inhaling toxic fumes, and we've seen entire communities wash away in severe floods." He asserted that the coalition will vigorously defend the Endangerment Finding in court to protect the health and welfare of the American public.

The Endangerment Finding was originally established in 2009 as a result of a Supreme Court ruling which confirmed that greenhouse gases are indeed pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This legal framework has allowed federal authorities to impose limits on vehicle emissions, thereby contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

The coalition's lawsuit comes at a time when the transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The rollback of regulations is expected to disrupt years of regulatory progress aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices in the automotive industry.

Governor Shapiro's involvement in this lawsuit marks a continuation of Pennsylvania's commitment to addressing climate change through legal avenues. His administration has previously taken action on various fronts to combat environmental degradation, including efforts to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which aims to limit carbon emissions from power plants.

As part of the coalition, Pennsylvania joins forces with states across the nation to confront what they see as an existential threat posed by climate change. The initiative underscores the importance of collective action among states to uphold environmental protections in the face of federal rollbacks.

The outcome of this lawsuit will not only have implications for regulatory standards but could also set a precedent for how states can challenge federal decisions that they believe undermine public health and environmental protections.

In summary, Governor Shapiro's participation in the multistate lawsuit against the EPA underscores the ongoing conflict between state and federal approaches to climate policy. With growing concerns over climate change's impacts, this legal battle highlights the crucial role of state governments in advocating for science-based regulations to protect their constituents and the environment.

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