Target: Lee Zeldin, Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency
Goal: Do not move forward with repeal of the EPA’s Endangerment Finding.
“Scientifically unfounded, almost certainly illegal, and unbelievably unwise”: the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists had this blunt and stark assessment of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to revoke its own Endangerment Finding. Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled nearly two decades ago that greenhouse gases met the classification of air pollutants, the agency that used to prioritize protecting the environment over special interests used this ruling to develop a strong regulatory framework around greenhouse gas emissions. Automobiles, power plants, and aircraft were to take every step possible to limit these planet-warming gases that also have a significant impact on public health.
The Endangerment Finding was the lynchpin for curbing air pollutants on a broad scale because at its heart the finding – following decades of science and research – unequivocally affirms that greenhouse gases pose an existential threat to public welfare and health. With the rescinding of this finding, companies and businesses will no longer be obliged to even consider – much less act on – the very real risks their emissions cause. This thoughtless repeal will create long-term damages, make it more difficult for future administrations to reverse these damages, and could even have a negative effect on the very businesses the repeal is intended to benefit.
Sign the petition below to join the broad coalition of science, environmental, and health advocates who are challenging this reckless action.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Administrator Zeldin,
At least 17 science and health organizations and counting have filed a lawsuit demanding a review of the Endangerment Finding rescission. The individuals responsible for the infamous Doomsday Clock (now standing at an ominous 85 seconds to midnight) have decried the rescission as “scientifically unfounded, almost certainly illegal, and unbelievably unwise.” You have quite probably ignored these condemnations and any legal rulings that may follow, but will you ignore the impact of this action on the businesses of today and on the Americans of tomorrow…your children and grandchildren?
As this action takes its inevitably prolonged journey through the courts, businesses who do not comply with already-existing standards will face legal risks of their own. They will be in a limbo, uncertain of future actions to take and unable to build strong long-term strategic plans. And you turn away from the heart of the Endangerment Finding – that greenhouse gases sicken people and create environmental degradation with lasting economic and social ramifications – at the peril of generations who will be left dealing with the consequences of your reckless choices.
If any part of you wishes to honor the oath you took when you assumed office, you will take the requests for a review to heart and reverse course before the courts make the decision for you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
