Scientific Leaders Challenge EPA's Climate Dismissal

A significant critique has been issued by a top U.S. scientific organization against the previous administration's approach to climate change, underscoring evidence that is indisputable.

The latest publication from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine asserts firmly that continual data shows greenhouse gases are indisputably heating the planet and altering the climate globally.

This position counters attempts by the agency in mid-2020 to undo a pivotal conclusion from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), initially stated in 2009, that recognizes six greenhouse gases as hazardous to human health, necessitating regulation under the Clean Air Act.

The 2009 'endangerment finding' plays a critical role in allowing the EPA to control emissions from vehicles, power establishments, and other industrial sectors.

Despite this, EPA head Lee Zeldin argues for overturning the finding, citing economic burdens and potential overreach of the agency's power. A Department of Energy study is referenced, indicating that greenhouse gases may not be as economically harmful as once thought.

Nonetheless, the National Academies reinforce the validity of the 2009 assessment, now strengthened by subsequent scientific insight.

Their report emphasizes that uncertainties from the past are now well understood, and new risks are continuously identified and scrutinized by the research community. It warns of escalating climate-related challenges in the U.S., with current extremes becoming the norm.

Besides the National Academies, several lawmakers have expressed their disapproval of the EPA's action against the endangerment finding.

Senator Ed Markley from Massachusetts, supported by the state's congressional representatives, has rebuked Zeldin's proposal in a letter, alleging it contradicts court rulings and legislative goals aimed at greenhouse gas management while weakening the EPA’s authority and favoring polluters.

The proposed repeal has prompted the National Academies to craft an extensive 135-page analysis. By the mid-September deadline, over 102,000 public responses had been recorded. The EPA will evaluate these responses before issuing a conclusive determination on the finding.