On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rolled back the 2009 Endangerment Finding. This finding recognized six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, as threats to public health. It allowed federal regulators to enforce emission standards for the auto industry.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin spoke at a Toyota dealership in Huntersville on Friday, calling this change the “largest act of deregulation in U.S. history.” He highlighted that his job was no longer to regulate emissions that contribute to global warming.
Zeldin’s remarks came shortly after much of western North Carolina dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. This storm was intensified by unusually warm ocean temperatures. He emphasized the need to assist in rebuilding but clarified he wouldn’t take on new powers to impose regulations that could cost trillions.
EPA Authority and Greenhouse Gases
During his speech, Zeldin stated that the EPA lacks the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases. He pointed out that Section 202 of the Act doesn’t mention global climate change. However, back in 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that greenhouse gases fall under the Act’s broad definition of air pollutants in the Massachusetts v. EPA case.
This landmark ruling led to the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which was later upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2010. Peter Zalzal, a climate policy expert at the Environmental Defense Fund, noted that challenges to the finding faced rejection in court.
The Bigger Picture
This rollback isn’t just a legal issue; it’s also a reflection of shifting social attitudes toward climate change regulation. Many Americans express concern about climate-related events. According to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 65% of Americans support stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, showing that a significant portion of the public still prioritizes environmental protections.
Additionally, social media platforms buzz with discussions about climate change. Hashtags like #ClimateActionNow and #FightForMyPlanet are trending, reflecting a strong belief in taking action against climate change among younger generations. People are increasingly advocating for sustainable practices and holding companies accountable for their environmental impact.
As the debate continues, the implications of these regulatory changes could influence ongoing climate issues and the future of environmental policy in the U.S. For more details on the Clean Air Act and its implications, you can view the official documentation here.
