The Trump administration has made a controversial move by announcing the repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding, which has long served as the legal basis for US action on climate change.This finding, initially established during the Obama administration, determined that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide pose a danger to public health and welfare.
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pbs.orgEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who has shifted the agency's focus towards a business-friendly approach, declared this repeal as potentially "the largest deregulatory action in the history of America." He described the endangerment finding as "the holy grail of the climate change religion" and emphasized the administration's commitment to "unleash American energy" and reduce costs for consumers.
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pbs.orgtheguardian.comThe endangerment finding is crucial as it provides the regulatory framework under the Clean Air Act for controlling emissions from motor vehicles, power plants, and other significant pollution sources.
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pbs.orgnpr.orgBy revoking this finding, the Trump administration aims to eliminate restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the US.
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npr.orgZeldin's announcement was made during a visit to a car dealership in Indiana, where he highlighted the administration’s intent to end what he described as "sixteen years of uncertainty" for automakers and American consumers.
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npr.orgThe proposal also includes a two-year delay for a Biden-era rule that aimed to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks.
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pbs.orgEnvironmental groups and experts have reacted strongly against this proposal.They argue that rescinding the endangerment finding undermines federal authority to address climate change effectively.Christy Goldfuss, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, stated, "As Americans reel from deadly floods and heat waves, the Trump administration is trying to argue that the emissions turbocharging these disasters are not a threat." She emphasized that this decision endangers national safety and welfare.
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npr.orgtheguardian.comThe scientific community largely supports the notion that greenhouse gases significantly contribute to climate change.The 2009 endangerment finding was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007 during the landmark Massachusetts v.EPA decision, which affirmed that the agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
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hklaw.comThis ruling has been consistently reaffirmed, and the repeal of the endangerment finding raises questions about the legal viability of future climate regulations.
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epa.govhklaw.comIf finalized, the repeal could invalidate existing limits on greenhouse gas emissions from multiple sectors and create hurdles for future administrations aiming to implement climate regulations.
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pbs.orgtheguardian.comDavid Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, referred to the repeal as a "kill shot" that could dismantle nearly all climate regulations.
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pbs.orgtheguardian.comDespite the backlash, Zeldin and the Trump administration assert that this deregulatory action will lead to economic benefits, including lower costs for consumers and increased auto manufacturing jobs.
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epa.govThey argue that previous regulations imposed significant financial burdens on American families and businesses.
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pbs.orgHowever, critics argue that the repeal is a reckless decision that disregards the increasing severity of climate-related disasters, such as floods, heatwaves, and wildfires, which have been exacerbated by climate change.
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npr.orgGina McCarthy, a former EPA administrator, called the actions of the Trump administration reckless, stating, "This EPA would rather spend its time in court working for the fossil fuel industry than protecting us from pollution and the escalating impacts of climate change.".
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pbs.orgAs the public comment period for the proposed repeal is set to close soon, the potential legal battles loom large.Environmental advocates are preparing to challenge this move vigorously, both in public forums and potentially in court if necessary.
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hklaw.comnpr.orgIn summary, the repeal of the endangerment finding represents a significant shift in US climate policy, with profound implications for environmental regulation and public health going forward.
