In a significant move, the Trump administration announced on Thursday the revocation of the endangerment finding, a scientific declaration that has served as the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions in the United States since 2009.This action effectively removes the federal government's authority to limit emissions from various sources, including automobiles and power plants, which contribute significantly to climate change.
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wral.comopb.orgPresident Donald Trump characterized this decision as "the single largest deregulatory action in American history," claiming it would save businesses approximately $1 trillion.
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opb.orggvwire.comCritics argue that this rollback undermines decades of scientific consensus regarding the dangers of climate change, which has been linked to severe weather events, health issues, and environmental degradation.
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wral.comwashingtonpost.comThe endangerment finding was established during the Obama administration and determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare.By rescinding this finding, the Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the legal framework that has supported various climate regulations under the Clean Air Act.
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opb.orgpbs.orgThis includes emissions standards for vehicles, which are crucial for addressing pollution from the transportation sector, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US.
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pbs.orggvwire.comEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the repeal would end what he termed "heavy-handed climate policies" from previous administrations.
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pbs.orgZeldin and Trump have framed the action as a necessary step to promote economic growth and consumer choice, emphasizing the need to allow automakers to produce vehicles that meet market demand rather than being forced into electric vehicle mandates.
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washingtonpost.comgvwire.comExperts predict that the repeal of the endangerment finding could lead to an increase of up to 18 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2055.This could result in dire health consequences, including as many as 58,000 premature deaths and millions of additional asthma attacks.
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wral.comopb.orgEnvironmental groups are already preparing to challenge this decision in court, arguing that it is not only unscientific but also illegal.
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washingtonpost.comgvwire.comThe implications of this reversal are extensive, as it could nullify current emissions standards for cars and trucks and potentially hinder future administrations from implementing new climate regulations.
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opb.orgwashingtonpost.comLegal experts have raised concerns that if the administration's rationale for repealing the endangerment finding is upheld, it may limit the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases altogether.
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pbs.orgwashingtonpost.comDemocratic leaders, including governors and environmental advocates, have expressed their intention to fight this decision legally.They emphasize that the administration's actions could exacerbate the impacts of climate change, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, such as wildfires and floods.
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wral.comgvwire.comAs the US continues to grapple with climate change's effects, the Trump administration's decision to roll back these regulations raises significant concerns about public health and safety.Experts warn that this move not only contradicts established science but also places the nation further behind in the global effort to combat climate change.
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wral.comopb.orgIn summary, the repeal of the endangerment finding marks a pivotal moment in US climate policy, reflecting a broader ideological battle over environmental regulations and the role of government in addressing climate change.Legal challenges are anticipated, as states and environmental organizations prepare to defend federal authority to regulate greenhouse gases and protect public health.
