The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging the White House to reconsider a key 2009 finding that identifies greenhouse gas emissions as a danger. This move could significantly weaken federal regulations aimed at reducing these emissions.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The 2009 “endangerment finding” gives the EPA the power to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. This serves as the foundation for limits on emissions from vehicles and power plants.
- Former President Trump’s executive order mandates the EPA to evaluate the legality of this finding. They must send their recommendations to the White House budget office within a month.
- Environmental advocates argue that repealing this finding would contradict established climate science. On the other hand, supporters from the fossil fuel sector believe it would help relax emissions regulations.
A prominent environmental lawyer, Sean Donahue, stated, “The idea that human-generated greenhouse gas emissions do not endanger public health and welfare isn’t supported by science or EPA records.”
This issue is crucial. If the endangerment finding is revoked, it would significantly hinder the government’s ability to address climate change. Regulations that enforce limits on carbon emissions from cars, power plants, and industries could be dismantled. This could lead to a rise in pollution, worsening climate disasters like heatwaves, intense storms, and rising sea levels.
The push to repeal aligns with ongoing efforts from fossil fuel interests and conservative lawmakers who argue that environmental regulations hurt the economy. However, many legal experts and scientists are likely to challenge this move, as extensive research supports the view that greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change and public health risks.
Check out this related article: “Environmental Groups Warn: EU’s Carbon Removal Strategy Diverts Attention from Crucial Climate Goals” – Businessday NG
Source linkclimate change, energy, environmental health, fossil fuels, public health
