FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026
CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to issue a significant ruling this Thursday. This ruling seeks to limit the agency’s obligation to oversee pollution tied to climate change. These changes come at a time when communities in Appalachia are facing more flooding, droughts, and heat waves.
Chelsea Barnes, the Director of Government Affairs and Strategy, expressed concern, saying, “The EPA is overlooking essential scientific data. This decision will hinder federal efforts to manage industries that contribute to climate change. Prioritizing corporate profits over public health and the environment is a mistake.”
The EPA has the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate chemicals that harm human health. In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in Massachusetts v. EPA that greenhouse gases are considered pollutants. This paved the way for the EPA to take action if these gases were shown to be a threat. In 2009, the agency confirmed that greenhouse gases do pose serious risks to both people and the planet.
This conclusion was backed by robust scientific research linking greenhouse gases to climate change, which leads to more frequent and severe weather events, such as heatwaves and intense rains. These changes not only threaten public health but also contribute to the spread of diseases like Lyme disease. Therefore, regulating these emissions falls squarely within the EPA’s scope.
Ridge Graham, Program Manager for North Carolina, pointed out the harsh reality, stating, “People in Appalachia are acutely aware of the problems caused by climate change. Abandoning regulation of greenhouse gases ignores the urgent threats to our communities and overlooks the economic advantages of preparing for these changes.”
The ruling could strip the EPA of a key tool to manage greenhouse gas emissions. Interestingly, the arguments used by the EPA in this move echo those presented by dissenters in the Massachusetts v. EPA case. This raises questions about whether the current administration aims to challenge the Supreme Court’s earlier decision.
Brianna Knisley, Director of Public Power Campaigns, urged governments at all levels to address climate change seriously. “We need immediate actions to cut greenhouse gases that endanger lives and livelihoods,” she asserted.
Recent data shows climate-related disasters are on the rise. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2022 watched as the number of billion-dollar weather disasters in the U.S. doubled compared to the previous decade. This surge highlights the critical need for effective climate policies.
The ongoing debate around climate regulation is not just a political issue; it profoundly impacts local communities. Reactions on social media show a growing frustration among many who feel their lives are at stake. The conversation around climate action is more urgent than ever, particularly as the impacts of climate change become increasingly visible.
For further reading on how climate change is impacting areas like Appalachia, check out the comprehensive report from the EPA.
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Clean Air Act,Climate change,endangerment finding,EPA,federal
