Jayapal Urges EPA to Reverse Course on Decision to End Regulations on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to reverse course on a plan to rescind the agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, which would trigger a repeal of nearly two decades’ worth of regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. 

“Denying the danger of climate change cannot change the facts: pollution from fossil fuels is heating our planet, making extreme weather disasters more severe, and costing us all,” wrote the Members. “By eliminating the Endangerment Finding, the administration is undermining critical protections against climate pollution: clean car and truck standards, power plant rules, oil and gas rules, landfill rules, and more.”

Over the past five years, Washington State has experienced 11 extreme weather events that have caused $1 billion or more in damages. Nationally, in the same time frame, there have been 115 events that have cost over $746 billion and taken 2,520 lives. Higher emissions are not only a major driver of climate change that fuels extreme weather events, but they could also lead to higher asthma and heart disease rates in communities across the country. 

“We urge you to maintain the Endangerment Finding and protect the health and welfare of Washingtonians and communities in all parts of the country,” continued the Members. 

The full text of the letter can be read here. 

The letter was also signed by Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

Issues: Environment