In a controversial move, President Donald Trump announced the termination of the Obama-era endangerment finding, a critical regulation linking greenhouse gas emissions to climate change and public health risks.This decision, heralded by Trump as "the single largest deregulatory action in American history," has raised alarms among environmentalists and scientists alike, who contend that it undermines decades of progress in combating climate change.
Sources:
ca.news.yahoo.comcbsnews.comThe endangerment finding, established in 2009, provided the legal and scientific foundation for federal regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other major sources.Trump's actions effectively repeal this foundation, significantly limiting the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.
Sources:
abcnews.comeenews.netDuring a press conference, Trump criticized the endangerment finding as a "disastrous Obama-era policy" that he claimed had severely harmed the American auto industry and inflated vehicle prices.He stated that the repeal would save Americans over $1.3 trillion by eliminating regulatory costs, thereby lowering car prices for consumers.
Sources:
ca.news.yahoo.comcbsnews.comEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin echoed Trump's sentiments, describing the move as a restoration of consumer choice and an end to what he termed "the holy grail of federal regulatory overreach." He argued that the regulations stemming from the endangerment finding imposed excessive costs on American families and businesses.
Sources:
ca.news.yahoo.comabcnews.comHowever, environmental advocates and scientists have sharply criticized the rollback.They argue that the endangerment finding has played a vital role in reducing climate pollution and protecting public health over the past 15 years.Climate scientists warn that the repeal could lead to increased emissions, exacerbating the already dire consequences of climate change, including extreme weather events and public health crises.
Sources:
the-independent.comca.news.yahoo.comCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a joint statement condemning the repeal, asserting that it "ignores basic science and denies reality." They emphasized their commitment to fighting for environmental protections that safeguard communities and public health.
Sources:
ca.news.yahoo.comcbsnews.comCritics also point out that the decision to eliminate the endangerment finding may lead to higher costs for essential goods and services, as unchecked climate pollution could impact everything from food prices to property values.New Jersey Representative Frank Pallone characterized the move as a boon for wealthy corporate interests at the expense of middle-class families.
Sources:
the-independent.comabcnews.comLegal experts have noted that the repeal is likely to face significant challenges in court, given that the endangerment finding is supported by substantial scientific evidence and past judicial rulings affirming the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
Sources:
cbsnews.comeenews.netAs noted by Michael Gerrard, a professor at Columbia Law School, the decision could lead to a "grim milestone" that halts all federal actions to regulate climate-changing emissions.
Source:
abcnews.comThe implications of this decision extend beyond immediate regulatory changes; it sets a precedent for future administrations.By undermining the scientific basis for climate regulations, the Trump administration's actions could make it more challenging for subsequent leaders to enact effective policies to combat climate change.
Source:
eenews.netIn response to the announcement, environmental groups like the Environmental Defense Fund have vowed to challenge the decision in court, arguing that it is both reckless and unlawful.
Sources:
ca.news.yahoo.comcbsnews.comFred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, stated, "This action will only lead to more pollution, and that will lead to higher costs and real harms for American families.".As the fallout from this decision unfolds, the debate over the role of government in regulating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change is sure to intensify, highlighting the ongoing conflict between economic interests and environmental responsibility in US policy.
Sources:
abcnews.comeenews.netThis repeal marks a significant shift in US environmental policy, raising questions about the future of climate action under the current administration and the potential ramifications for public health and global climate commitments.
Sources:
the-independent.comcbsnews.comThe endangerment finding has been a key element of the regulatory framework for addressing climate change.Its removal could have long-lasting effects on both the environment and the economy, as the country grapples with the urgent need for effective climate solutions in the face of growing climate-related challenges.
Sources:
ca.news.yahoo.comabcnews.comIn summary, Trump's termination of the endangerment finding represents a pivotal moment in US environmental policy, one that could reshape the landscape of climate regulation for years to come.
