EPA’s Repeal of Endangerment Finding, Vehicle Standards Appears Imminent

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent its final rule to undo the 2009 foundational scientific finding that global warming emissions endanger public health and the environment-referred to as the Endangerment Finding-to the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulation Affairs (OIRA), indicating publication of the final rule could be imminent. EPA also referred to OIRA its final rule to repeal standards that rein in heat-trapping pollution from cars and trucks, which were the strongest policies the United States had in place to combat climate change and save drivers money at the pump.

Below is a statement by Dr. Gretchen Goldman, president and CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) on this latest development.

"The science establishing harm to human health and the environment from global warming emissions was evident in 2009 and it's even more undeniable today. EPA has a legal obligation to regulate this pollution under the Clean Air Act. EPA Administrator Zeldin's unfolding plan seems poised to demolish this longstanding, science-backed finding, in keeping with the Trump administration's ongoing assault on science-based policies and shameful pandering to oil and gas interests. The American public deserves a government that will face the challenge of the climate crisis head on with proven policy solutions, not actively serve as agents of destruction by worsening it to boost fossil fuel profits."

UCS filed comments on behalf of its half a million supporters and network of more than 22,000 scientists to voice strong opposition to the proposed rules that if finalized would repeal the endangerment finding and vehicle standards. It also submitted a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, which was signed by more than 1,000 scientists and urged Congress to provide strong oversight to ensure the agency is fulfilling its mission. UCS blog posts related to the endangerment finding and vehicle standards are also available.