U.S. environment agency sued over scrapping scientific finding behind climate protections

A coalition of health and environmental groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after it revoked the 2009 endangerment finding; the suit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule revoking the 2009 endangerment finding that determined greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. That finding had been the legal basis for many Clean Air Act regulations, including vehicle emissions standards. After the repeal, a coalition of health and environmental groups filed a lawsuit this week to challenge the agency's decision. The legal challenge was lodged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Key points: - The EPA revoked the 2009 endangerment finding that said carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. - The repeal removes federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks and could affect other regulations under the Clean Air Act, according to reporting. - A coalition including public health and environmental organizations filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to contest the repeal. - Administration officials described the action as a major deregulatory move, while groups named in the suit said it undermines established climate protections. Summary: The EPA's rescission of the endangerment finding has prompted a legal challenge now before the D.C. Circuit. The change affects vehicle greenhouse gas standards and could have broader implications for Clean Air Act rules; further court scheduling or next procedural steps were not specified and are undetermined at this time.