The Trump administration has announced a proposal to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding that deemed greenhouse gases a threat to public health and welfare.The announcement was made by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, who described the move as "the largest deregulatory action in the history of America" during a podcast appearance.
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theguardian.comThe endangerment finding, established during Barack Obama's presidency, serves as the legal basis for a range of climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, impacting sources like motor vehicles, power plants, and various forms of transportation.
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cbsnews.comsierraclub.orgThe EPA claims that repealing this finding will save Americans over $54 billion annually and eliminate over $1 trillion in regulatory costs.
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cbsnews.comepa.govZeldin criticized the endangerment finding as a contributor to excessive regulatory burdens, claiming that it has caused harm to the American auto industry and increased prices for consumers.
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bbc.co.ukHe emphasized that the repeal would restore consumer choice and simplify the regulatory landscape for automakers, allowing them to produce vehicles that are deemed more affordable.
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epa.govHowever, critics argue that this proposed change could have dire consequences for public health and safety.Former President Obama criticized the repeal, warning that it would make Americans more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and increase the profits of fossil fuel companies.
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bbc.co.ukEnvironmental experts have pointed out that the repeal could lead to thousands of additional premature deaths and millions of asthma attacks, undermining the very purpose of the EPA to protect public health.
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bbc.co.ukcbsnews.comLegal experts also express skepticism regarding the feasibility of this repeal.The endangerment finding was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007, which established that greenhouse gases are pollutants that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
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cbsnews.comsierraclub.orgEnvironmental Defense Fund's Peter Zalzal noted that attacking this legal foundation could severely limit the government's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
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theguardian.comThe proposed repeal comes at a time when climate change impacts are becoming increasingly severe, with 2024 recorded as one of the hottest years globally and a rise in natural disasters.
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cbsnews.comEnvironmental advocates, including former EPA officials, have condemned the proposed action as a move that prioritizes corporate interests over public health and environmental safety.
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theguardian.comsierraclub.orgIn conclusion, the Trump administration's proposal to revoke the endangerment finding has sparked significant debate.While it promises economic benefits and reduced regulatory burdens, critics warn that it could lead to increased health risks and environmental degradation, highlighting the contentious nature of climate policy in the current political landscape.
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epa.govsierraclub.orgAs this proposal moves through the regulatory process, it is expected to face legal challenges and public scrutiny, reflecting the ongoing struggle over environmental regulation in the United States.
