State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), co-chair of the Environmental Legislative Caucus, sharply criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to repeal the Endangerment Finding, a rule that has governed federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions since 2009.
Allen said the Trump administration's move ignores scientific evidence and undermines the federal Clean Air Act's mandate to protect the public from harmful air pollutants.
"Today, the Trump Administration once again prioritized corporate megadonors at the expense of the American public," Allen said, warning that the decision would worsen the financial and public health burdens already associated with climate change. "Our insurance premiums and utility rates are already rising in the face of greater climate risk, and our public infrastructure and public health systems will face increasingly significant challenges."
Allen pledged that California would continue pursuing climate protections independent of federal action.
"California remains committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents through climate policy that is guided by scientific evidence," Allen said. "While the federal government abandons this essential responsibility, we will continue utilizing every ounce of authority we have to best provide clean and healthy air, water, and land for Californians."
The Endangerment Finding, first established under the Obama administration, provided the legal basis for EPA regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants and other sources. Its repeal would significantly curtail the federal government's authority to regulate carbon pollution under existing law.
Edited by SMDP Staff