Sisi Chan

U.S. rolls back declaration that greenhouse gases endanger public health

The Trump administration has revoked a long-standing scientific statement declaring the need for U.S. action against greenhouse gas emissions.

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule that repeals the 2009 endangerment finding which asserted the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose dangers. This is a stark contrast to the stance held during the Obama administration.

The implications of the endangerment finding under the Obama administration were far-reaching, making this move by the Trump administration one that may be met with legal challenge.

Both the Trump administration and the EPA Administrator support the move, believing that it will not only streamline industry operations, but also potentially stimulate economic growth. However, it is anticipated these decisions will face considerable legal challenges.

The regulatory rollback is expected to have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The response from the environmental law community has been largely negative, believing the move could threaten public health.

Diverse opinions have sprung up within environmental groups, some expressing outrage and others stressing the importance of maintaining a vigilant stance on environmental issues.

A new proposal by the EPA considers delaying a Biden-era rule that restricts greenhouse gas emissions, further complicating the current climate of environmental regulation.