WASHINGTON—In a gathering of climate change skeptics, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of the “endangerment finding,” a key regulation for federal greenhouse gas emission controls.
“It is a day to celebrate vindication!” Zeldin declared. The repeal halts federal regulation of emissions from vehicles and power plants.
Speaking at the 16th International Conference on Climate Change, organized by groups like the Heartland Institute and the CO2 Coalition, Zeldin emphasized not accepting “the narrative of the left” without questioning it.
The event allowed the Trump administration to receive praise for rolling back climate regulations. However, 24 states have sued the EPA over this decision in federal court.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul criticized the repeal, saying it reverses progress in addressing climate change, undermining EPA standards on emissions. His statement highlighted these concerns.
Experts condemned the administration for surrendering leadership on climate change amid increasing risks from wildfires and hurricanes. Peter Zalzal of the Environment Defense Fund stated that Zeldin’s response mirrored rhetoric from the Heartland Institute, as noted in a statement.
Nancy Goodnight, a retired teacher from Texas, praised Zeldin’s speech for its insight into EPA operations. Zeldin questioned the 2009 scientific basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
He criticized scientific ranges in climate impact forecasts, whereas Dana Fisher from American University explained that science describes probabilities, not certainties.
Zeldin discussed the cancellation of nearly 800 grants to communities affected by environmental issues, claiming funds were misused. Fisher countered that the grants aided polluted communities and that recipient organizations couldn’t lobby due to their tax status.
Outside the conference, Austin Matheny-Kawesch of the EDF warned that ignoring climate change will not solve underlying issues.
The Heartland Institute, known for climate change skepticism, recently distributed its book Climate at a Glance to science teachers, arguing against a climate crisis.
President Donald Trump criticized the original endangerment finding, calling it “radical” and supporting its repeal. He has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, a global commitment to reducing emissions.
Zeldin’s stance could hinder climate science funding, as research not aligning with the administration may be rejected, stated Fisher.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org