Imagine a world where politicians make health decisions instead of scientists. What if they claimed that cigarette smoke was safe or that inhaling car exhaust didn’t harm us? Would you believe them?
We know these things are dangerous. That’s why we rely on scientists and organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to keep us informed about health risks. Sadly, some politicians are trying to undermine the EPA and its role in protecting our air and environment.
In 2009, EPA scientists made a crucial announcement: greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and the environment. This finding was rooted in years of research and laid the groundwork for regulating these emissions, which has helped reduce air pollution by 78% since the 1970s.
During my 32 years at the EPA, I saw many significant changes, including the reduction of harmful emissions from cars and trucks. This work saved countless lives and showcased the importance of maintaining strong environmental regulations.
The Endangerment Finding is the legal basis for much of our climate policy, impacting everything from vehicle emissions to power plant regulations. It’s not just a legal necessity; it’s our commitment to the health of future generations. This finding means less asthma in children, fewer premature deaths, and fewer hospital visits due to pollution.
However, the new administration is trying to roll back these protections, prioritizing corporate profits over public health. The fossil fuel industry, worth billions, wants to challenge the Endangerment Finding and eliminate regulations that protect our air quality.
They have attempted to overturn this finding multiple times, even taking it to the Supreme Court, but they have not succeeded. Now, the administration plans to reassess the Endangerment Finding, suggesting that climate regulations are unnecessary and costly. This raises a troubling question: what are the costs to our health and lives?
In January, President Trump directed the EPA to review climate policies. This included instructions to reassess the Endangerment Finding, potentially setting the stage for its repeal. In February, new EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recommended to the White House that the agency withdraw the Endangerment Finding, despite initially pledging to uphold the EPA’s critical mission.
If the Endangerment Finding is repealed, the EPA will lose its authority to enforce laws regulating greenhouse gases. This would mean chaos for our clean air standards and allow major pollution sources to operate without oversight.
A rollback could have global consequences, given that the U.S. is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Weakening our climate regulations could undermine global efforts to combat climate change and send the wrong message to other countries.
To protect the Endangerment Finding and the progress we’ve made, we need a united front. Congress, states with strong environmental policies, and the business community must come together to oppose attacks on the EPA’s regulations. Many businesses have invested heavily in clean energy, and dismantling regulations would threaten economic stability.
We must challenge any attempts to undermine the EPA’s authority and preserve the strides we’ve achieved. The scientific evidence supporting climate action is increasingly robust. The Endangerment Finding is crucial for recognizing climate change and prompting necessary responses. If it’s repealed, we risk reversing years of progress and endangering our health.
It’s time to focus on science, health, and the well-being of our planet. Protecting the Endangerment Finding isn’t just about environmental policy; it’s about ensuring a healthier future for everyone.
Check out this related article: “VCU Health Honors President Liz Martin: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Service in Her Retirement” – RealRadio804
Source linkclimate change,science,Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),public Health,Zeldin,Environment,Trump,fosil fuel,fuel economy,Green house gas
