The Brian Lehrer Show The Environmental Protection Agency Flips on Greenhouse Gases
Jul 29, 2025
Jake Spring, a Climate and Environment Enterprise Reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the EPA's controversial proposal to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases. He discusses the implications for U.S. climate policy and the significant regulatory rollbacks that could favor fossil fuels over renewable energies. The conversation highlights the legal battles surrounding emissions regulations and the crucial role of local governments in addressing climate concerns amid shifting federal policies.
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EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding
- The EPA's 2009 endangerment finding classified greenhouse gases as pollutants harmful to health and welfare, enabling regulation under the Clean Air Act.
- This finding originated from the 2007 Supreme Court ruling that EPA can regulate pollutants endangering public health.
Indirect Impact of Greenhouse Gases
- Although greenhouse gases affect climate indirectly, evidence shows their impact on extreme weather threatens human health.
- The Clean Air Act is argued to cover these emissions despite original focus on direct pollutants like mercury and sulfur dioxide.
Trump EPA's Attack on Endangerment Finding
- The Trump EPA draft proposal claims the endangerment finding was too costly, lacked Congressional mandate, and inadequately considered policy impacts.
- The draft largely avoids addressing the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change risks.
