EPA moves to strip Clean Air Act of emissions-fighting tool

By Mike Moen

The Trump administration this week has taken steps to overturn a landmark legal underpinning of the Clean Air Act that helps the feds clamp down on harmful emissions. Environmental groups warn of devastating consequences in places like Ohio, with a lot of oil and natural gas production.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency released its proposal to rescind what's known as the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which has served as the legal basis for regulating major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This includes power plants, transportation and oil and gas operations.

Lauren Pagel, policy director for the group Earthworks, said people in the Buckeye State should pay close attention if fossil fuel companies are given more "wiggle room."

"Ohio produces a lot of oil and gas," said Pagel, "and methane emissions are a serious problem anywhere that oil and gas is produced."

Methane emissions cause smog and are linked to breathing problems, heart disease, cancer and strokes.

The Endangerment Finding stemmed from a 2007 Supreme Court ruling after scientists declared a collection of pollutants were a threat to human health. The Trump administration contends that action led to costly regulations, harming industries like auto manufacturing.

Pagel countered that repealing this finding won't bring down costs for Americans. As warming temperatures fuel natural disasters, she said communities are likely to see their resources stretched thin.

"We are going to continue to see those stronger storms, more wildfires," said Pagel, "and we're losing a major tool in the toolbox for reducing air pollution and helping to cool the planet."

The EPA will soon collect public comment on the proposed rule change, and legal challenges are expected.

Environmental groups say if the new rule is finalized, worried residents will have to appeal to state leaders to consider stronger protections.