Congressman Suozzi Challenges Environmental Policy Changes Amid Growing Climate Concerns
Glen Cove, NY—In response to a significant policy shift by the Trump Administration, Congressman Tom Suozzi has rallied support to oppose the rollback of a critical environmental safeguard. Suozzi, representing Long Island and Queens, voiced his opposition in a press conference regarding the revocation of the 2009 ‘Endangerment Finding,’ a policy that recognized greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare.
“We are here with a very simple message for the people of Long Island and New York: Wake up! Your insurance rates are going up, and Moody’s Investor Services reports that Long Island is the fourth most vulnerable place in the United States of America for the effects of climate change,” Suozzi declared, emphasizing the tangible impacts of climate change on local communities, from rising insurance costs to increased flooding risks.
Gathered alongside Suozzi were key environmental advocates, including Adrienne Esposito of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment and representatives from the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor. The Natural Resources Defense Council, represented by Pete Budden, announced its intention to legally challenge the rollback.
“We are messing with the divine creation of the earth: a thing that’s been gifted to us. And it’s been very resilient over most of history. But now the effects of what we are doing as human beings are punching it every single day, and I can’t take it anymore. So we have to wake up,” Suozzi added, urging collective awareness and action.
On February 12, President Trump, alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, declared the rollback of the ‘Endangerment Finding,’ which had served as a foundational policy for regulating emissions. This decision has sparked significant backlash from environmental groups and leaders.
“The ‘Endangerment Finding’ was found in 2009, based on sound, good science. The reason it was called the ‘Endangerment Finding’ is because it put in danger our health, our economy, and our future… Climate change is costing us billions,” stated Adrienne Esposito, noting the financial and ecological stakes.
Michelle Lapinel McAllister from the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor emphasized the necessity of maintaining the policy, stating, “The ‘Endangerment Finding’ is the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gases… repealing it would significantly weaken federal authority to address pollution from major sources and protect public health.” She highlighted the measurable impacts of climate change on infrastructure and the economy.
Eric Swenson, representing the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, reflected on local efforts to maintain water quality and the potential setbacks from the policy change, while Julie Tighe of the New York League of Conservation Voters stressed the nonpartisan nature of clean air as a fundamental right.
Pete Budden of the NRDC criticized the administrative decision as an attack on climate action, asserting, “Thank you to the Congressman for holding this event and for speaking out against the outrageous repeal of the ‘Endangerment Finding.’ By rolling it back, the Trump Administration is launching the single biggest attack in US history on the federal government’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis.”
Suozzi, citing Long Island’s vulnerability to climate change, urged greater public engagement: “The reason we are out here today, in the cold, out on the water here, is because we want to get more people who care about the earth; who care about climate change; who care about the effects this is going to have on your wallet; to actually start speaking up and speaking out about this issue.”
Original Story at suozzi.house.gov