Senate Committee Probes Polluters' Efforts to Block Crucial EPA Rule

Senate Committee Seeks Intel on Polluters' Efforts to Kill Critical EPA Rule As the world's top climate scientists gathered at COP29 in Glasgow, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) stood out for his unwavering commitment to holding polluters accountable. "We're not just talking about a rule," he declared, his voice echoing through the crowded halls of the conference center. "We're talking about the very foundation of our climate policy." Whitehouse's words were a stark reminder that the battle over the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Endangerment Finding – a 2009 declaration that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases harm human health – is far from over. In fact, it has just taken a dramatic turn. In July, the EPA announced its intention to rescind the Endangerment Finding, sparking outrage among environmentalists and climate experts. Now, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led by Whitehouse, is launching an investigation into the suspected lobbying push behind this decision. A Trail of Documents On Tuesday, the committee sent letters to two dozen corporations, including oil giants, think tanks, law firms, and trade associations, requesting documents related to the Endangerment Finding. The missives are a clear indication that Whitehouse and his colleagues are determined to get to the bottom of this story. "We're concerned about the role that fossil fuel companies, certain manufacturers, trade associations, polluter-backed groups, and other entities have played in advancing EPA's decision," Whitehouse wrote in the letters. "We believe it is essential to understand how these entities influenced the agency's actions." The investigation is a response to allegations that industry lobbyists have been secretly working to undermine the Endangerment Finding for years. Critics argue that this move would not only gut the foundation of US climate regulations but also embolden polluters to continue their destructive practices. A Critical Rule So, what exactly is at stake? The Endangerment Finding is a critical rule that underpins virtually all US climate regulations. It was first introduced in 2009 by the Obama administration and has been a cornerstone of the country's efforts to address climate change ever since. The finding states that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases – methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) – pose a significant threat to human health. This declaration has been used as the basis for numerous regulations, including limits on emissions from power plants and vehicles. Multiple Perspectives While some industry representatives argue that the Endangerment Finding is an overreach of federal authority, environmentalists and climate experts see it as a vital tool in the fight against climate change. "The Endangerment Finding is a cornerstone of our climate policy," said Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University. "Rescinding it would be a huge step backwards for our country's efforts to address this crisis." Others argue that the rule has been used as a pretext for overregulation and that its repeal would actually benefit the economy. "The Endangerment Finding is a prime example of regulatory overreach," said Myron Ebell, director of the Center for Energy & Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. "Its repeal would be a victory for free markets and American competitiveness." A Fight for Accountability As the Senate committee's investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: this is not just about a rule – it's about accountability. "We're talking about the very foundation of our climate policy," Whitehouse said in Glasgow. "We need to know who's behind this effort to undermine the Endangerment Finding and what their motivations are." The outcome of this investigation will have far-reaching implications for US climate policy, but one thing is certain: the battle over the Endangerment Finding has just begun. Conclusion As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, it's imperative that we hold polluters accountable and ensure that our policies are guided by science, not special interests. The Senate committee's investigation into the suspected lobbying push behind the EPA's decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding is a crucial step in this fight. As Whitehouse so eloquently put it: "We're not just talking about a rule – we're talking about the very foundation of our climate policy." *Based on reporting by Motherjones.*