The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on the cusp of finalizing a plan to repeal its scientific finding that greenhouse gases are harmful to human health, despite widespread public opposition. The Endangerment Finding, which was established in 2009, acknowledges the scientific consensus that greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and pose a threat to human health.
The EPA's plan would roll back this finding, allowing the agency to re-evaluate its regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. Critics argue that this move would have devastating consequences for public health, the environment, and the economy.
According to the EPA's own estimates, repealing the Endangerment Finding could result in 50,000 premature deaths, $310 billion in increased costs, and 110,000 lost jobs annually. The plan has been met with fierce opposition from environmental groups, scientists, and even some lawmakers, who argue that it is a blatant attempt to appease the oil industry at the expense of public health and the environment.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against the plan, the EPA appears to be moving forward with its repeal, sparking concerns about the agency's commitment to protecting the public interest. The move has also been criticized for its potential impact on China, which is poised to dominate the global electric vehicle market while the US lags behind.
As the EPA prepares to finalize its plan, environmental defenders are vowing to challenge the decision in court and fight for a more sustainable future.
This move by the EPA is a clear example of the administration's disregard for science and public health. By repealing the Endangerment Finding, the agency is essentially giving the green light to the oil industry to continue polluting our air and water at will. This is a devastating blow to the environment and to the public, who deserve better than to be sacrificed for the sake of corporate profits.
