Trump EPA Overturns Endangerment Finding

"Administrator Lee Zeldin has directed EPA to stop protecting the American people from the pollution that's causing worse storms, floods, and skyrocketing insurance costs. The unlawful, year-long effort by the political leadership at EPA rejects the overwhelming evidence that climate pollution threatens everyone’s health and safety.

“This action will only lead to more of this pollution, and that will lead to higher costs and real harms for American families. The evidence – and the lived experiences of so many Americans – tell us that our health will suffer. Property values will decline, and flood and fire insurance premiums will increase, if they’re still available at all in some disaster-prone parts of the country. Crop yields and water supplies will be threatened. Many have already lost loved ones and seen homes and businesses destroyed because of climate disasters that have cost the U.S. more than $3 trillion since 1980, and they’re only going to intensify with more pollution.

“This is the last thing American families need when electric bills have never been so expensive.  

“The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the responsibility and authority to limit climate pollution, and the Endangerment Finding has been essential to the progress we’ve all benefited from ever since. It’s led to clean vehicle standards for automakers that are giving drivers more choices that save them money while limiting the pollution that leads to costly trips to the emergency room and sick days at work and school. It’s sparking billions of dollars in investment and innovation in new technologies that help ensure America’s manufacturers are globally competitive and that don’t come with a long list of health side effects.

“But this decision is now endangering all of it — and all of us.

“We need to know the truth about the challenges we face, not fake science. We need investment in our communities to promote health, support families, lower costs and power the economy. 

“EDF will challenge this decision in court, where evidence matters, and keep working with everyone who wants to build a better, safer and more prosperous future.”

             - Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund