Today’s announcement by EPA puts your health in danger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Media Relations 

The American Public Health Association strongly condemns today’s action by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to eliminate the agency’s endangerment finding that greenhouse gases threaten the health of all communities. This action undermines decades of science and rulings by federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Instead of protecting the public’s health from the dangerous and deadly effects of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, this action will exacerbate the health threats we are already seeing from climate change, including increased heat waves, more air pollution and deadly wildfires. Additionally, the administration is also proposing to repeal greenhouse gas emissions standards from passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. This proposal ignores the fact that the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. 

Repealing multiple efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change that uphold EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment sends the message that polluters won’t be held accountable for endangering the lives of communities — especially those most vulnerable to air pollution and the health threats posed by climate change. 

The American people, especially future generations, deserve an environment where everyone can thrive in healthy and safe communities. They deserve to live a full life at optimal health. With this proposal, EPA is abdicating its authority and losing sight of its mission to protect the American public from environmental health threats and to hold polluters responsible for meeting these standards. 

Related APHA releases on this issue: 

Rolling back EPA regulations will hurt communities across the nation (March 2025) 

APHA applauds EPA for new rules that reduce power plant pollution and benefit health (April 2024)  

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APHA is fighting back against threats to public health. See what we’re doing. 

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The American Public Health Association serves as a convenor, catalyst and advocate to build capacity in the public health community. We speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. We lead public awareness campaigns such as Get Ready and National Public Health Week. Together, we are creating optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. Learn more at www.apha.org.