The Trump administration has moved to revoke the 2009 Endangerment Finding, a significant determination that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.This proposal, announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, is described as potentially the largest deregulatory action in US history, fundamentally changing how the government addresses climate change.
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apnews.comThe Endangerment Finding, established following the 2007 Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts v.EPA, concluded that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare.It has provided the legal basis for a broad range of climate regulations, impacting sectors from transportation to power generation.
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mass.govThe administration argues that rescinding this finding will eliminate over $1 trillion in regulations, which they claim impose hidden costs on American families.
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epa.govtheguardian.comZeldin pointed out that the previous administrations "twisted the law" to impose costly climate policies, asserting that the current proposal is necessary for economic relief.
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apnews.comCritics, however, contend that this decision ignores established science and could have severe repercussions for public health and safety.
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theguardian.commass.govEnvironmental advocates have condemned the rollback, stating it dismisses overwhelming scientific consensus that greenhouse gases are driving climate change and intensifying extreme weather events.
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theguardian.comChristy Goldfuss, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasized that the proposed change contradicts the reality of worsening climate disasters, stating, "It boggles the mind and endangers the nation's safety and welfare.".
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apnews.comThe proposed repeal is expected to undergo a lengthy review process, including a public comment period, before any finalization occurs.Environmental groups are already preparing to challenge this move in court, arguing that it undermines decades of regulatory progress.
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apnews.comeenews.netMassachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell stated that the administration's actions show blatant disregard for both science and legal precedent, and she pledged to fight the rescission in court.
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mass.govIf finalized, the repeal could eliminate limits on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and power plants, significantly hindering future administrations' ability to enact climate regulations.
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theguardian.comeenews.netThe implications of this decision could lead to increased emissions, further exacerbating climate-related issues such as wildfires, floods, and heat-related illnesses.
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epa.govtheguardian.comWhile the Trump administration claims that the rollback will save consumers money, experts warn that the long-term costs to public health and the environment could far outweigh any immediate financial benefits.
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theguardian.comEnvironmental groups have pointed out that the repeal could result in billions of additional tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2055, paralleling the annual emissions of countries such as China.
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theguardian.commass.govZeldin's announcement follows a series of actions aimed at dismantling climate protections, part of a broader agenda to boost fossil fuel industries.
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theguardian.comCritics, including former President Barack Obama and climate envoy John Kerry, have labeled the repeal as un-American and detrimental to public welfare, arguing that it prioritizes corporate profit over the health of American citizens.
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theguardian.commass.govIn conclusion, the proposal to repeal the Endangerment Finding represents a significant shift in US climate policy, raising concerns among environmentalists and public health advocates.As the review process unfolds, the potential for legal challenges looms, with many questioning whether the administration can successfully navigate the established scientific and legal frameworks that protect against climate pollution.
