Why Everyone is Wrong About the EPA's Deregulation
The recent repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding is a strategic blunder that could have catastrophic health implications and climate repercussions. This decision, heralded as a victory for deregulation, is anything but. It dismantles the federal government's ability to regulate carbon pollution and greenhouse gases, effectively throwing public health to the wolves.
The Uncomfortable Truth: Health Consequences Ignored
Pat Parenteau, an emeritus professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, argues that the consequences of this repeal cannot be overstated. The decision could lead to 18 billion tons of additional pollution in our atmosphere by 2055, resulting in an estimated 58,000 premature deaths and 37 million more asthma attacks. These figures are not mere statistics; they represent real lives affected by climate change-induced illnesses.
Stop Doing This: Misleading Narratives from the Trump Administration
The Trump administration's framing of this repeal as a cost-saving measure ignores the broader economic implications. While they tout a savings of $1 trillion for industries, they conveniently overlook the projected $1.7 trillion impact on consumers due to increased fuel prices and health-related costs. This is a classic case of short-term gain overshadowing long-term consequences.
The Legal Quagmire: Can They Really Get Away With This?
Critics must question the legal grounds of this repeal. Parenteau outlines three potential scenarios regarding its fate in the courts. The first scenario suggests that the Trump administration may not even get the case to the Supreme Court before their term ends. If they fail, the next administration could simply reinstate the endangerment finding, making this repeal a temporary setback.
The Second Scenario: A Supreme Court Gamble
If the case does reach the Supreme Court and the Trump administration loses, it would reaffirm the authority of the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. However, if they win, the implications would be dire: future administrations would be unable to regulate greenhouse gases without Congressional action, effectively locking in a deregulated environment.
What Happens Next: The Fight is Just Beginning
As the legal battles unfold, states like California and Massachusetts are poised to challenge this repeal. They are likely to seek a stay on the rule, arguing that overturning nearly two decades of regulation is not just reckless but fundamentally unjust. The D.C. Circuit Court, known for its expertise, may very well grant this stay, pausing the repeal's effects while the case is litigated.
The Bottom Line: A Call to Action
In the face of this unprecedented deregulation, stakeholders must not sit idly by. The health risks associated with the EPA's endangerment finding repeal are real and immediate. It’s time to confront the uncomfortable truths about climate change and public health. The stakes are too high to ignore.
Source: Inside Climate News