The Trump administration has taken a controversial step by reversing the longstanding US government conclusion that climate change poses a significant threat to Americans.This decision involves the repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding, which concluded that greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, endanger public health and welfare.
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latimes.comCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the state's intention to sue the administration over this decision, framing it as a betrayal of public health and safety.
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latimes.comThe repeal is viewed as one of the most significant environmental rollbacks in US history, marking a continued trend by President Trump to dismantle policies aimed at addressing climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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latimes.comearthjustice.orgIn a statement, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the repeal as the single largest act of deregulation in American history, arguing it would restore consumer choice and lower costs for families.
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latimes.comHowever, experts have challenged this assertion, stating that the repeal fundamentally undermines the scientific foundation needed for effective climate policy.
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latimes.comThe endangerment finding has been pivotal in regulating six greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, making it clear that the government recognized the need to address emissions to protect public health.
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latimes.comChris Field, director of Stanford University's Woods Institute for the Environment, emphasized that the scientific evidence supporting the original finding has only grown stronger over the years.
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latimes.comCritics of the Trump administration's decision point to the potential consequences of this rollback, which could lead to increased air pollution and health problems, particularly among vulnerable populations.
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earthjustice.orgLisa Patel, executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, warned that the repeal would likely result in more cases of asthma and other health issues related to pollution.
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latimes.comThe administration's reasoning for revoking the endangerment finding has been met with skepticism.The EPA's proposal to eliminate the finding rests on claims that greenhouse gases should not be classified as "air pollutants" under the Clean Air Act, a view that contradicts a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
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earthjustice.orggeopolitique.euMoreover, the agency's new interpretations of scientific data have been criticized as being based on fringe theories rather than established science.
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earthjustice.orgDespite the overwhelming consensus among scientists that climate change is exacerbated by human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, the Trump administration has positioned itself against mainstream scientific views.
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latimes.comamericanprogress.orgThis has raised alarms about the implications for US leadership in global climate efforts, particularly as the nation withdraws from international agreements like the Paris Accord.
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geopolitique.euThe fallout from this decision is already being felt across various sectors.Environmental groups, cities, and states across the US are mobilizing to challenge the repeal and protect public health and environmental standards.
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latimes.comFormer President Barack Obama, who initiated the endangerment finding, publicly condemned the reversal, stating it would compromise safety and health nationwide.
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latimes.comThe Trump administration's actions reflect a broader trend of diminishing federal support for climate science and policies that promote clean energy.This has created a contentious political landscape where climate change is not only a scientific issue but also a deeply divisive political topic.
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americanprogress.orgAs the administration pushes for deregulation, experts warn that the long-term consequences of ignoring climate change could be dire.Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods, are already being felt across the country, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate action.
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americanprogress.orgIn summary, the decision to reverse the endangerment finding has triggered significant backlash from across the political spectrum, underscoring the critical intersection of science, policy, and public health in the ongoing debate over climate change in the United States.
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latimes.comearthjustice.orgWith California leading the charge legally, the future of climate policy in the US remains uncertain as the administration continues to prioritize fossil fuel interests over scientific consensus and public health protections.
