President Donald Trump has reversed a critical scientific finding that has long been the foundation for US greenhouse gas regulations, marking a substantial shift in the country’s climate policy.
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euronews.comca.news.yahoo.comThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially cancelled the 2009 "endangerment finding," which determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a risk to public health and welfare.
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euronews.comThis repeal undermines the legal basis for numerous climate regulations established under the Clean Air Act, affecting emissions standards for vehicles, power plants, and other significant sources of pollution.
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epa.govExperts warn that the rollback could result in increased greenhouse gas emissions and open the door for further deregulation in the energy sector.
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euronews.comTrump characterized the move as "the single largest deregulatory action in American history, by far," while EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin referred to the endangerment finding as "the Holy Grail of federal regulatory overreach." Critics, however, argue that this decision disregards scientific consensus on climate change, which links rising greenhouse gas levels to severe weather events and public health crises.
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euronews.comca.news.yahoo.comEnvironmental organizations have condemned the repeal, labeling it a significant blow to federal climate authority.
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euronews.comFred Krupp from the Environmental Defence Fund stated, "This action will only lead to more climate pollution, and that will lead to higher costs and real harms for American families," emphasizing that it could worsen health and environmental conditions.
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euronews.comThe endangerment finding has been a cornerstone for regulating emissions from a range of sources since the Supreme Court recognized greenhouse gases as air pollutants in 2007.
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ca.news.yahoo.comThe court rulings since then have consistently upheld the EPA's authority to manage these emissions, making the repeal not only controversial but potentially vulnerable to legal challenges.
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theguardian.comFormer EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy criticized the decision as reckless, arguing that it prioritizes the interests of fossil fuel companies over public health.
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euronews.comSimilarly, former President Barack Obama expressed concern that the repeal makes Americans "less safe, less healthy, and less able to fight climate change," pointing out that it primarily benefits the fossil fuel industry.
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ca.news.yahoo.comThe EPA's proposal also includes a two-year delay on a Biden-era rule aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks.
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euronews.comThis delay has raised alarms among environmental advocates who see it as a step backward in the fight against climate change.Moreover, the proposed changes could significantly impact the transportation sector, which is the largest contributor to US greenhouse gas emissions.
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theguardian.comBy rescinding limits on tailpipe emissions, the EPA aims to remove regulatory burdens that, according to Zeldin, hinder consumer choice and economic growth.
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epa.govThis approach has been welcomed by some industry representatives who argue that it will allow for more affordable vehicle options for consumers.
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epa.govHowever, the implications of this decision extend beyond just vehicle emissions.Analysts predict that the rollback could also lead to increased carbon pollution from power plants, as it relaxes existing emissions requirements for both coal and natural gas facilities.
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eenews.netThis could counteract progress made in reducing emissions over the past decade and push the US closer to dangerous levels of climate change.
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eenews.netThe EPA's actions follow a broader trend within the Trump administration to dismantle environmental regulations that were established by previous administrations.
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theguardian.comWith the endangerment finding now revoked, future administrations may find it more challenging to implement stringent climate policies, potentially hindering the US response to global warming.
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theguardian.comAs the debate continues, the administration's rollback of these regulations will likely face significant opposition from environmental groups and legal challenges aimed at preserving the existing climate protections.
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epa.govExperts warn that without these regulations, the US may see a rise in emissions that could have long-term consequences for public health and the environment.
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eenews.netThe impact of the EPA's decision is expected to resonate across the country as it shapes the future of US climate policy and regulatory practices.
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epa.govtheguardian.comIn conclusion, Trump's decision to scrap the endangerment finding not only represents a significant deregulation effort but also raises pressing concerns about the potential repercussions for climate action in the United States.
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euronews.comca.news.yahoo.comThe ongoing dialogue around this issue will be critical as stakeholders assess the broader implications for American families and the environment at large.
