Caribbean Attorneys General Unite Against Climate Change Denial: A Stand for Our Future

New York Attorney General Letitia James is on a mission to protect the environment and public health. She is leading a coalition against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to reconsider a crucial ruling from 2009 that recognized greenhouse gas emissions as a significant threat. This ruling is vital because it supports the regulation of air pollution, which directly links to climate change.

James argues that rolling back this ruling can have devastating effects. She stated, “Climate change is real, it is dangerous, and it is already hurting communities.” If the EPA abandons this ruling, it could increase health issues like asthma and heart disease and put vulnerable populations, such as children and low-income communities, at even greater risk.

In a letter to the EPA, James and her coalition pointed out that scrapping the Endangerment Finding would violate established law and scientific consensus. They highlighted the dangers of climate change, like extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe. For instance, New York has seen a rise in billion-dollar climate disasters—a sharp increase in the past two decades compared to the previous twenty years.

A recent report shows that over 500 heat-related deaths occur each year in New York City, mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions. This alarming statistic demonstrates the urgent need for action against climate change.

The coalition also defended existing federal motor vehicle emissions standards. These standards help protect public health by lowering pollution from cars and trucks, which contributes to serious health issues. Current regulations aim to cut down over eight billion metric tons of pollution over the next 30 years and save the U.S. economy nearly $1.82 trillion in climate costs.

However, the fight isn’t over. James criticized a recent report from the Department of Energy, claiming it was drafted quickly without proper peer review and failed to meet scientific standards. The coalition has urged the DOE to retract the report, emphasizing the need for reliable scientific evidence in crafting climate policy.

James is not alone in this battle; she is joined by attorneys general from multiple states, all advocating for stronger environmental protections. As climate change worsens, these battles become increasingly critical.

In conclusion, climate change presents real dangers today, and actions taken now can determine the future of public health and the environment. For more details on this topic and its implications, you can explore the EPA’s official site.

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