Vermont Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against EPA Over Climate Policy

Mar 22, 2026, 2:36 AM

Hover over text to view sources

Vermont has joined a coalition of 24 states and various counties in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its recent decision to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding. This finding established that greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health and welfare, allowing the federal government to regulate such emissions under the Clean Air Act.

The lawsuit, filed in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, argues that the EPA acted illegally by eliminating the scientific basis for regulating emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark emphasized the importance of following scientific evidence, stating, "Here in Vermont, we believe in science and we follow science." She criticized the federal administration for its disregard for scientific consensus on climate change.

The endangerment finding has been pivotal in shaping US climate policy over the past 15 years, enabling federal regulations to limit emissions from vehicles and power plants, which are significant sources of climate-warming pollutants. The Trump administration's repeal of this finding has been justified as a way to reduce costs for consumers, with claims that it would save Americans approximately $1.3 trillion. However, critics argue that the long-term costs of climate change far outweigh these short-term savings.

The lawsuit is expected to be consolidated with another case brought earlier this year by health and environmental advocates against the EPA's rollback of vehicle emission standards. This rollback is projected to increase carbon emissions significantly, resulting in dire consequences for public health and the environment.

Environmental groups, including the Conservation Law Foundation, have voiced strong opposition to the EPA's actions. Kate Sinding Daly, Senior Vice President for Law and Policy at the foundation, remarked that the repeal of the endangerment finding effectively abandons families to the dangers of climate pollution. The lawsuit aims to reaffirm the EPA's legal obligation to protect public health and the environment, as mandated by the Clean Air Act.

Legal experts assert that the EPA's decision to repeal the endangerment finding contradicts previous Supreme Court rulings, specifically the 2007 Massachusetts v. EPA case, which affirmed that greenhouse gases are air pollutants that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Patrick Parenteau, a former EPA regulator, noted that the repeal could create uncertainty for industries that have already invested heavily in compliance with emissions regulations.

The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond Vermont. The coalition of states involved in the lawsuit represents a diverse array of interests, united in the belief that federal inaction on climate change will exacerbate public health problems and environmental degradation across the nation.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case may eventually reach the Supreme Court, where the future of federal climate policy could be significantly impacted. The outcome will likely influence how states and local governments can address climate change and hold polluters accountable for environmental damage.

In summary, Vermont's participation in this multistate lawsuit highlights the growing concern among states regarding the federal government's climate policies and the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on public health and the environment.

Pennsylvania Joins Multistate Lawsuit Against Trump's Greenhouse Gas Rollbacks

Pennsylvania has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of environmental rules regulating greenhouse gases. Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the health risks associated with pollution and the negative impacts of climate change on the state.

Arizona Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Against EPA Over Climate Regulation Rollback

Arizona, alongside over two dozen states, has filed a lawsuit against the EPA after the Trump administration's decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding, which has been a cornerstone of federal climate regulations. The lawsuit argues that this rollback threatens public health and exacerbates climate change impacts, particularly in states like Arizona that experience extreme heat.

Massachusetts Leads Legal Fight Against Trump's EPA Deregulations

Massachusetts is spearheading a coalition of states challenging the Trump administration's rollback of the Endangerment Finding, a crucial ruling that allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Attorney General Andrea Campbell argues that this move undermines decades of climate protection efforts and poses significant risks to public health and the environment.

Current Facts on Wind Power Are Key to RI's Energy Debate

The ongoing debate over offshore wind power in Rhode Island highlights the need for accurate information amidst polarized opinions. Proponents emphasize wind energy's potential to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs, while critics raise concerns about environmental impacts and reliance on fossil fuels.

States Sue EPA Over Trump-Era Rollback of Greenhouse Gas Findings

A coalition of 23 states, including Pennsylvania, has filed a lawsuit against the EPA, challenging the Trump administration's rollback of a key finding on greenhouse gases. The lawsuit argues that the decision threatens public health and environmental protections established under previous administrations.