Voices of Concern: How the EPA’s Rollback on Endangerment Findings Fails to Address Climate Reality

On a sweltering July day, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a significant rollback of the endangerment finding in Indianapolis. Just outside, the heat index reached an alarming 105 degrees. This ruling, established back in 2009, recognizes that greenhouse gases pose a real threat to public health. Yet, Zeldin claimed that the issue wasn’t carbon dioxide itself but the emissions standards meant to control it. This stance seems to contradict established science and reality.

Just a day earlier, neighboring Michigan experienced wild weather with storms that dumped nearly three inches of rain, leading to flooding and power outages. Soon after, thick smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the area, forcing families indoors and impacting health. These events illustrate just how real climate change is becoming for people across the Midwest.

Recent surveys show that about two-thirds of Americans believe climate change is already affecting their communities. This includes nearly 40% of Republicans, highlighting a growing understanding that we can’t ignore the signs anymore. Such a shift in perception is a response to a rise in extreme weather events and poor air quality, leading many to connect their daily struggles to climate change.

Doctors often see the effects firsthand. For example, a patient with emphysema shared that walking to his mailbox has become a challenge, especially on hot, humid days. Healthcare professionals report increases in emergency room visits after storms, particularly among vulnerable patients who depend on electricity for vital care. This situation paints a troubling picture: more people are struggling to breathe, and many find it difficult to link their health issues directly to climate change, even if the connection is clear.

Attempts to roll back the endangerment finding symbolize a refusal to accept these truths. Experts argue that denying climate change doesn’t negate its impacts. As Secretary of Energy Chris Wright claimed, reopening dialogue about energy policy is essential, but erasing critical data only confuses the public. Rolling back regulations means allowing greater pollution and increases public health risks.

While the present is marked by climate-denial tactics, the realities of climate change—like smoky air or flooded streets—remain undeniable. To face this crisis, we must advocate for truth and accountability. Recognizing the health consequences of climate change is crucial for driving positive change for current and future generations.

With the EPA currently accepting written comments on this repeal, public engagement is more important than ever. You can submit your thoughts through this link.

Experts like Dr. Alexander Rabin from the University of Michigan emphasize that ignoring the facts does more harm than good. We can’t afford to let climate denial shape our policies or health outcomes any longer.

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Climate change,Environmental Protection Agency,EPA,Lee Zeldin,public health