Are greenhouse gases harmless? The US is scrapping a key document of its environmental policy

Are greenhouse gases harmless? The US is scrapping a key document of its environmental policy Shutterstock
Maria Semenova

Experts consider this to be the biggest attack on climate change efforts

The US continues its fight against the reality of climate change. This time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to repeal a fundamental document that underpins the country's entire fight against greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Euronews, this refers to the 2009 "Endangered Species Act." For years, it has defined the country's climate policy.

The fight against global warming is hurting the economy

The EPA's "Endangerment Finding" enshrined a simple truth in law: carbon dioxide, along with other greenhouse gases, is harmful to human health and well-being.

In fact, this document was the basis for establishing environmental standards for emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other sources of pollution.

However, on February 10, the White House announced its future repeal.

"This will save the American people $1.3 trillion in regulatory relief," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The main “savings” in the United States are expected to come from lowering prices on popular cars.

Money and politics versus the future

Environmental groups believe that this decision is one of the most damaging blows to U.S. climate action efforts in history.

"The Trump administration is walking away from its core duty to protect us from extreme weather and the accelerating impacts of climate change. There is absolutely no way to align the EPA’s decision with the law, the science, or the reality of natural disasters that strike us harder every year," said Abigail Dillen, President of the nonprofit law firm Earthjustice.

Meanwhile, Trump-appointed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin accused his predecessors of trying to drive the country to bankruptcy.

"Democrats created this Endangerment Finding and then were able to put in place all these regulations for vehicles, aircraft, stationary sources, to essentially wipe out entire sectors of our economy."

However, scientists are unanimous – the “Endangerment Finding” has not lost its relevance and over the years has been supported by even more substantial evidence. This is confirmed by the conclusion of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States.

Previously, even the U.S. space agency NASA was accused of “manipulating reality.” As EcoPolitiс reported, in its report on global Earth temperature, NASA confirmed the planet’s warming, yet never once mentioned terms like “climate change” or “emissions.”

Related
Oil and gas companies have cut spending on environmental projects by 30% over the past year
Oil and gas companies have cut spending on environmental projects by 30% over the past year

Analysts consider the U.S. government's consistent crackdown on the clean energy sector to be a key factor

Extreme heat poses a threat to human life due to reduced physical activity and the risks of related health conditions
Extreme heat poses a threat to human life due to reduced physical activity and the risks of related health conditions

By 2050, the effects of global warming will be claiming the lives of half a million people prematurely each year

Italy has allocated only 9% of its EU ETS auction proceeds to climate measures
Italy has allocated only 9% of its EU ETS auction proceeds to climate measures

In addition to the misuse of funds, analysts have noted a lack of comprehensive reporting

1.1 million electric cars were sold worldwide in a single month. This trend was significantly influenced by government policy
1.1 million electric cars were sold worldwide in a single month. This trend was significantly influenced by government policy

In the U.S., battery manufacturers are already laying off workers, while China has exported half a million cars in just two months