The Trump administration has taken a decisive step in reshaping US climate policy by officially revoking the 2009 endangerment finding, a landmark determination that established the link between greenhouse gas emissions and public health risks.This decision, announced by President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, is poised to dismantle critical regulatory frameworks aimed at combating climate change and protecting the environment.
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the-independent.comca.news.yahoo.comDuring a press conference, Trump characterized the endangerment finding as a "disastrous Obama-era policy" that adversely affected the American auto industry and increased consumer prices.He claimed that the repeal would "eliminate over $1.3 trillion of regulatory costs" and help lower car prices significantly.
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ca.news.yahoo.compbs.orgThe endangerment finding was central to the US government's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, including vehicle emissions standards and pollution controls for power plants.
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ca.news.yahoo.comWithout it, the EPA's authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will be severely limited.
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the-independent.comnbcnews.comZeldin described the repeal as "the single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States," positioning it as a return to consumer choice and economic freedom.
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ca.news.yahoo.comnbcnews.comCritics of the decision have voiced strong opposition, arguing that it disregards established science and poses significant risks to public health.California Governor Gavin Newsom and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers condemned the move, stating that it "ignores basic science and denies reality." They emphasized the need to protect communities from pollution and climate change-related risks.
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ca.news.yahoo.comThe endangerment finding was the result of extensive scientific research and public input, concluding that certain greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare.Its revocation raises concerns among climate scientists and activists about the potential for increased emissions and the exacerbation of climate change effects, such as extreme weather events and health crises.
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pbs.orgnbcnews.comEnvironmental groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund, have announced plans to challenge the repeal in court.They argue that the decision will lead to higher levels of pollution, increased health costs, and further harm to vulnerable communities across the nation.
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the-independent.comnbcnews.comThe legal ramifications of this decision could be extensive.As noted by experts, the repeal undermines the regulatory framework that has facilitated significant reductions in climate pollution over the past 15 years.Critics assert that the administration's justification for the repeal lacks a solid scientific basis and may contradict existing legal precedents.
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pbs.orgnbcnews.comIn summary, the Trump administration's repeal of the endangerment finding marks a significant shift in US climate policy, prioritizing deregulation and economic considerations over environmental protections.As legal battles loom, the long-term impacts of this decision on climate regulation and public health remain uncertain.
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the-independent.comnbcnews.comThis move is part of a broader trend observed during Trump's tenure, wherein numerous environmental regulations have been rolled back, raising alarms among climate advocates about the future of US efforts to address climate change effectively.
