Arizonans are expressing their concerns after the Trump administration’s decision to drop the endangerment finding. This finding is crucial because it allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set limits on carbon pollution.
The administration claims that getting rid of this finding will cut regulations and lower energy costs. A press release from the White House stated, “This decisive action dismantles the flawed 2009 determination that led to over $1.3 trillion in burdensome regulations on families and businesses.”
However, environmental groups worry that this move will lead to worse air quality and speed up climate change. Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, argued, “Eliminating EPA’s requirement to protect people from pollution is not backed by science or common sense and may harm our health and communities.”
Kirsten Engel, head of Arizona’s Attorney General’s Office Environmental Protection Unit, voiced strong opposition to these changes. She noted that climate change is making Arizona hotter and drier and added that the two hottest years on record in Arizona were 2024 and 2025. Engel highlighted that extreme heat results in hundreds of deaths every year in the state.
She indicated that the Attorney General’s Office is exploring legal options against this decision, emphasizing that it’s “unlawful, reckless, and flatly at odds with decades of settled law and science.” Engel stressed that the EPA has a fundamental duty to protect Americans from escalating environmental harm.
Recent studies show that the health effects of climate change are growing. A survey by the American Lung Association found that air quality has declined in many areas, leading to increased respiratory issues. The CDC reports that extreme heat contributes to an estimated 600 fatalities annually across the U.S.
With public discourse trending on social media, many people are feeling anxious about the implications of such regulatory changes. This situation highlights how local voices are elevating the discussion around climate responsibility and public health.
As we look at these developments, it’s clear that the conversation about environmental protection and its impact on public health is more crucial than ever.
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