EPA to revoke the endangerment finding, UCLA experts say.

The EPA plans to announce it will revoke the 2009 endangerment finding that linked greenhouse gases to harm to human health, a change that underpins many federal pollution rules. UCLA experts say the move raises legal and public-health questions.

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to announce that it will revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, the scientific determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. That finding has served as the legal foundation for numerous EPA regulations addressing carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases from power plants, vehicles and oil and gas operations. UCLA experts are tracking the development and its implications for law, regulation and human health. The university’s researchers offer commentary on the legal ramifications and the established links between greenhouse gases, climate change and health effects. Key facts: - The EPA plans to announce a repeal of the endangerment finding that tied greenhouse-gas emissions to risks to human health and welfare. - The endangerment finding has been the basis for many federal Clean Air Act regulations on greenhouse gases. - UCLA experts note the scientific evidence linking greenhouse gases to climate-related harms and potential public-health implications. - The agency’s planned announcement is reported to occur on Thursday; subsequent legal and regulatory steps are not specified in the reporting. Summary: Revoking the endangerment finding would change the statutory basis for many federal greenhouse-gas regulations and could alter the legal landscape for climate rules. UCLA experts emphasize established scientific links between greenhouse gases and health risks and note possible legal and regulatory consequences. Undetermined at this time.