America vs. climate change: U.S. EPA rescinds the endangerment finding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rescinded the 2009 "endangerment finding" that supported federal greenhouse gas rules, removing vehicle emissions standards; environmental groups and commentators have warned of health and political consequences. Farm Credit Canada has secured $5-billion in investor commitments for farming and food innovation over the next four years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has formally rescinded the 2009 "endangerment finding" that had provided the legal basis for many greenhouse gas regulations. That decision removes federal emissions standards for cars and trucks and has prompted reactions from political leaders, environmental groups and commentators. Commentators note the move fits a broader rollback of climate initiatives and say it carries political and economic implications. Separately, Farm Credit Canada announced a $5-billion investor commitment plan for agricultural and food-sector projects. Key points: - The 2009 endangerment finding held that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare and underpinned Clean Air Act rules for vehicles and other sources. - The EPA rescinded that finding, and the repeal eliminates federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks, according to the report. - President Donald Trump described the finding as "one of the greatest scams in history," and said it "had no basis in fact or law," language reported in the article. - Environmental groups said the change would keep polluting, gas‑burning cars and trucks on U.S. roads for years and could threaten the health of millions, particularly children and the elderly, as reported. - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized prior administrations and said they were "willing to bankrupt the country" in the name of addressing climate change, according to the article. - Farm Credit Canada convened a coalition of more than 20 investment organizations, including venture capital, private equity and Royal Bank of Canada, and announced $5-billion in investor commitments to be directed at land acquisition, manufacturing and ag‑tech startups over four years. Summary: The EPA action reverses a central scientific and legal basis for U.S. greenhouse gas regulation and removes longstanding vehicle emissions standards, which stakeholders say could affect public health and regulatory policy. Undetermined at this time.