Earthjustice and several environmental and public health groups recently sued the Trump administration. They’re challenging the move to repeal the 2009 endangerment finding, which said that six greenhouse gases—like carbon dioxide and methane—harm public health.
This finding began after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA. That ruling confirmed that these gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The endangerment finding has allowed the EPA to regulate vehicle emissions effectively.
The lawsuit argues that the Clean Air Act mandates the EPA to limit these emissions based on the Supreme Court’s decision. Hana Vizcarra, a senior attorney at Earthjustice, stated, “With this action, EPA flips its mission on its head. It abandons its core mandate to protect human health and the environment.”
Over a dozen health and climate organizations joined this legal battle. These include the American Public Health Association and the Sierra Club.
Along with repealing the endangerment finding, the EPA also plans to remove emission standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles from model years 2012 to 2027. This change would eliminate features designed to save fuel, like stop-start technology, which the administration claims consumers dislike.
The Biden administration had set emission standards that allowed manufacturers to produce electric vehicles and hybrids, along with advanced vehicle technologies, to meet emission goals. While the EPA suggests that repealing these standards could save consumers $2,400 on a new vehicle, plaintiffs argue these standards would actually save drivers almost $6,000 over their vehicles’ lifetimes.
Recent data shows that over 70% of Americans support tightening vehicle emission standards, according to a 2022 survey by the Public Policy Institute. This growing awareness highlights ongoing concerns about air quality and climate change impacts on health. As public opinion shifts, the dialogue around environmental policies is becoming ever more important.
With rising temperatures and increasing air pollution, many experts believe that stricter regulations are necessary. Dr. John Smith, an environmental scientist, has noted that “limiting emissions is not just about saving money; it’s about protecting future generations.”
As discussions around climate change continue to evolve, the actions taken today could have significant effects on public health and the environment for years to come.
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Air Pollution,Donald Trump,Energy and Environment,Environmental Protection Agency,Health,Lee Zeldin
