The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established to safeguard our environment and health. However, during the Trump administration, the EPA shifted its focus, offering significant benefits to fossil fuel companies. This change included repealing the Endangerment Finding, a crucial measure that acknowledged how pollution negatively affects people and holds the EPA accountable to tackle these issues.
The repeal of the Endangerment Finding poses serious risks to our health, homes, and finances. Here’s how it could affect us:
Worsening Health Conditions
Without the Endangerment Finding, air quality is likely to decline. This measure laid the groundwork for essential policies that limit pollution from vehicles, power plants, and oil facilities. Repealing it, alongside clean vehicle standards, could lead to an increase in climate pollution by 18 billion metric tons by 2055. That’s roughly three times what the U.S. emits in a year. This could result in 58,000 premature deaths and 37 million more asthma attacks, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.
Increased pollution means higher levels of ground-level ozone, which can trigger asthma and other lung issues. Moreover, climate change is expected to lead to more intense wildfires, releasing harmful particles that can lead to heart problems and lung diseases. The changing climate also affects disease spread, particularly through insects, increasing risks of illnesses like Lyme disease.
More Extreme Weather
Scientific evidence shows that pollution is driving up global temperatures, resulting in more frequent and severe weather events. In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 27 extreme weather incidents, costing over $1 billion each. Hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods are becoming more common. For instance, 2023 saw heatwaves becoming the deadliest form of severe weather, with over 2,300 lives lost in the U.S.
Financial Burdens
The economic impact of repealing the Endangerment Finding extends beyond health issues. Homeowners face rising insurance premiums due to climate-related disasters, with costs doubling in some states. This shift can make it impossible for people in high-risk areas to obtain affordable insurance. As climate change intensifies, home values in these regions may plummet.
Drivers of gas-powered vehicles will also feel the pinch. Analysts predict gas prices could rise by $0.25 per gallon by 2035 due to the lack of pollution regulations. Overall, American consumers may end up spending an additional $1.4 trillion on fuel purchases. Job losses are also a concern, with forecasts suggesting up to 450,000 jobs could vanish by 2035 as clean energy investments are cut.
A study by Consumer Reports highlights a troubling future: individuals born in 2024 could face over $500,000 in climate-related costs throughout their lives if no action is taken.
Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, stresses the urgency here: “Without limits on pollution, we risk making life more expensive and dangerous.” The stakes are high, and the effects of these decisions echo beyond today. They shape the future health and economic stability of American families.
For further insights, check the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the Environmental Defense Fund for additional information.
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Climate change, Endangerment Finding, EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, asthma, vehicle standards, pollution
