Groups sue EPA over repeal of rule supporting climate protections

A coalition of health and environmental groups sued the EPA after it rescinded the 2009 endangerment finding; the suit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

A coalition of health and environmental organizations filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency after the agency revoked the 2009 endangerment finding. That 2009 finding had been the scientific basis for federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The EPA finalized the repeal last week. The legal challenge was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Key facts: - The EPA revoked the 2009 endangerment finding, which had determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. - A coalition of public health and environmental groups filed the lawsuit, naming the EPA and Administrator Lee Zeldin; the case is before the D.C. Circuit. - The administration described the repeal as a major deregulatory action, while the plaintiffs say the change removes vehicle greenhouse gas standards and creates uncertainty for other federal climate rules. Summary: The legal challenge argues the agency's rescission of the endangerment finding is unlawful and contests the basis for recent regulatory changes. Undetermined at this time.