WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is expected this week to revoke a scientific finding that has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, according to a White House official.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a final rule rescinding the 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding, which determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.
A White House official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal plans ahead of an official announcement, confirmed these proposals, which were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
This week at the White House, President Trump will be taking the most significant deregulatory actions in history to further unleash American energy dominance and drive down costs, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The endangerment finding serves as the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for various pollution sources, including motor vehicles and power plants. It is used to justify regulations like auto emissions standards, aimed at protecting against severe climate threats such as floods, heat waves, and wildfires.
Legal challenges are expected to arise from environmental groups, who describe the proposed shift as a major attack on federal efforts to address climate change. They argue that the repeal could lead to increased pollution, higher health costs, and significant public health risks.
Brigit Hirsch, an EPA spokesperson, did not specify when the finding would be revoked but stated that the agency is finalizing a new rule concerning it. The announcement comes amid ongoing criticisms of the Obama-era rule as being overly restrictive and economically damaging.
Past discussions have highlighted contrasting views; while some argue that the rollback simplifies regulations, critics, including climate scientists and environmentalists, assert that it undermines crucial efforts to combat climate change.
Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, argues that this move signifies the latest evolution of Republican climate denial, stating, They can no longer deny climate change is happening, so instead they’re pretending it’s not a threat, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that it is.
The anticipated repeal could set the stage for fierce legal battles, as the government re-evaluates its climate policy moving forward. Critics express alarm at the potential repercussions for public health and the environment, emphasizing the urgency of robust climate action.
