The Trump administration has taken a decisive step in its environmental policy by rolling back major climate change regulations that were established during the Obama presidency.This move includes the official repeal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which classified greenhouse gases as pollutants that pose a threat to public health and welfare.President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin heralded this action as the "single largest deregulatory action in US history," arguing it restores consumer choice and reduces costs for American families.
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epa.govms.nowThe Endangerment Finding was a cornerstone of the Obama administration's climate strategy, used to justify a range of regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and power plants.By dismantling these regulations, the Trump administration claims to save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion, while also reducing the costs associated with vehicle ownership and compliance with federal standards.
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epa.govCritics of the repeal, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have voiced strong concerns, stating that the rollback will adversely affect every community in America.They argue that it could exacerbate health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children with asthma, and destabilize insurance markets as extreme weather events become more frequent.
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ms.nowThe legal basis for the Endangerment Finding has been challenged by the Trump administration, which contends that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act.The EPA's review concluded that even if the US were to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions, there would be no significant impact on global climate indicators through 2100.
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epa.govResponses from environmental organizations have been swift and severe.Many groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund, have indicated plans to challenge the decision in court, arguing that it undermines the scientific foundation for combating climate change and poses risks to public health.
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ms.nowtheguardian.comThe repeal is also expected to have broader implications for US energy policy.Critics argue that it could lead to increased emissions from coal-fired power plants and other fossil fuel sources, potentially resulting in thousands of premature deaths and worsening air quality.
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theguardian.comclimate.law.columbia.eduMeanwhile, the administration has positioned this regulatory rollback as a necessary move towards economic growth and energy independence, asserting that the previous regulations imposed undue burdens on businesses and consumers.
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epa.govAs the legal and political battles over this decision unfold, it remains to be seen how the rollback will affect the trajectory of US climate policy and the broader implications for global efforts to combat climate change.The administration's actions have ignited a contentious debate over the balance between environmental protection and economic interests, with advocates on both sides asserting their positions strongly.
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ms.nowtheguardian.comIn summary, the Trump administration's dismantling of the Endangerment Finding and related regulations marks a significant shift in US climate policy, provoking a mixed response from various stakeholders.The long-term consequences of this decision will likely have far-reaching effects on both public health and the environment.
