WASHINGTON (AP) — On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it will revoke a key scientific finding that has been central to U.S. efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This move is part of a plan by the White House to change how climate change is addressed in the country.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to formally rescind the 2009 “endangerment finding.” This declaration, made during the Obama administration, stated that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health. It laid the groundwork for many climate regulations under the Clean Air Act.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the action is significant and could save the American public around $1.3 trillion. She pointed out that most of the savings would come from lower costs for new vehicles, estimating an average savings of over $2,400 per car or truck.
The endangerment finding has been crucial for regulating emissions from motor vehicles, power plants, and other sources. It supports regulations designed to combat climate-related challenges, like extreme weather, rising sea levels, and devastating wildfires.
Experts predict legal battles ahead as environmental groups see this action as a major blow to national efforts against climate change. Abigail Dillen, president of the law non-profit Earthjustice, expressed concern, stating the administration is neglecting its responsibility to protect citizens from worsening disasters.
EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch criticized the old rule as harmful and suggested the administration aims to provide substantial relief for Americans. Trump has previously dismissed climate change as a hoax, and this stance aligns with a broader effort by some conservatives to reduce regulations they deem harmful to the economy.
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin, now leading the EPA, argued that previous administrations have burdened the economy with overly strict regulations. He claimed that these policies could drive segments of the economy “to extinction.”
However, environmental lawyers like Peter Zalzal argue that this deregulation could lead to increased climate pollution and adverse health effects. He noted that the decision doesn’t consider the crucial benefits of climate regulations, which aim to protect health and safety.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court upheld the endangerment finding in a notable 2007 case, recognizing that greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, have consistently backed the finding, reinforcing its legitimacy.
Recent studies from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have re-examined the science behind the 2009 finding. Their report confirmed its accuracy, citing even stronger evidence today of the dangers posed by greenhouse gases to human health.
As we move forward, these regulatory changes raise concerns about the long-term consequences for climate action in the U.S. With growing evidence on climate change’s impact, the conversation around these policies will be critical.
For more insights on the EPA’s actions, you can follow their coverage [here](https://apnews.com/hub/us-environmental-protection-agency).
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