EPA faces lawsuit over gutting ‘hazard finding’, a pillar of climate regulation
Medical and environmental groups are challenging the EPA’s decision to dismantle long-standing scientific evidence that climate change threatens human health.
The Environmental Protection Agency is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Stephanie Reynolds/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Major medical and environmental groups on Wednesday Trump administration’s decision challenged Revoking the 2009 finding that climate change threatens human health.
The lawsuit was filed on February 18 by the American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Lung Association, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and several other medical and environmental advocacy groups.
“The Environmental Protection Agency has a duty to consider everyone’s well-being and safety, and the science is clear; climate change and air pollution threaten everyone’s health,” Georges Benjamin, chief executive officer of APHA, said in a statement.
On supporting science journalism
If you enjoyed this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism Subscribing By purchasing a subscription, you are helping ensure a future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
The challenge comes just days after EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency would rescind a 2009 “endangerment finding” that would overturn the long-standing scientific consensus that global warming poses a threat to human health. The discovery played a key role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles like cars and trucks, which could account for 28 percent of all US emissions in 2022.
The new lawsuit could once again escalate the battle over whether climate change harms health to the Supreme Court. In 2007 the court gave its verdict in the case Massachusetts v. EPA Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, qualify as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This formed the basis of the threat finding, which considered that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide from combustion engines, were “a threat to the public health and welfare of present and future generations.”
Revocation of the endangerment finding removes mileage requirements from automakers and could weaken future regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
when contacted scientific American On Wednesday, the EPA declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing its long-standing practice of not commenting on current or pending litigation.
Editor’s note (2/18/26): This is a developing story and may be updated.
It’s time to stand up for science
If you enjoyed this article, I would like to ask for your support. scientific American He has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most important moment in that two-century history.
i have been one scientific American I’ve been a member since I was 12, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world. Science Always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does the same for you.
if you agree scientific AmericanYou help ensure that our coverage focuses on meaningful research and discovery; We have the resources to report on decisions that put laboratories across America at risk; And that we support both emerging and working scientists at a time when the value of science is too often recognised.
In return, you get the news you need, Captivating podcasts, great infographics, Don’t miss the newsletter, be sure to watch the video, Challenging games, and the best writing and reporting from the world of science. you can even Gift a membership to someone.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you will support us in that mission.
