Washington, DC–Young, Gifted & Green is deeply concerned about the report of the confirmation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal the Endangerment Finding. This critical finding was a cornerstone in the fight against climate change, recognizing the urgent need to protect our environment and public health.

“The science is clear. Climate change exacerbates health disparities, particularly among children and pregnant women. By rolling back protections, we are ignoring the urgent call for action that is needed now more than ever.” –LaTricea D. Adams, MAT, Ed.S., Founder CEO & President | Young, Gifted & Green

What is the Endangerment Finding?

The Endangerment Finding is a 2009 determination by the EPA that greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, endanger both the public health and welfare of current and future generations. This finding legally obligates the EPA to regulate these emissions under the Clean Air Act. It has served as the basis for numerous regulations aimed at reducing pollution from power plants, vehicles, and other sources.

What’s at Stake?

Rescinding the Endangerment Finding undermines the legal foundation for federal climate action. It limits the government’s ability to enforce emissions regulations, potentially leading to increased pollution and adverse health outcomes. Without the Endangerment Finding, it becomes more difficult to impose strict regulations and meet benefit-cost tests, potentially leading to court challenges and uncertainty in climate policy.

This rollback is particularly alarming for our children, who are the most vulnerable to the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change. Young children, who are still developing, are at heightened risk for respiratory issues, developmental delays, and other health problems linked to pollution and climate change. By rolling back these protections, we are jeopardizing their future, denying them their right to a safe and healthy environment.

We are also deeply concerned about the impacts on maternal health and birth outcomes. Exposure to air pollution and environmental toxins during pregnancy has been linked to a range of adverse outcomes, including:

• Preterm birth: Studies have shown a correlation between air pollution exposure and an increased risk of preterm birth.
• Low birth weight: Air pollution can also affect fetal growth, leading to low birth weight, which can have long-term health consequences for the child.
• Increased risk of birth defects: Some studies suggest a link between environmental pollution and certain birth defects.
• Impacts on maternal health: Climate change and pollution can exacerbate existing health conditions in pregnant women, such as asthma and cardiovascular disease, leading to complications during pregnancy.

We believe that every child deserves to grow up in a world where they can thrive, free from the burdens of environmental hazards. The decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding not only ignores the scientific consensus on climate change but also disproportionately affects marginalized communities that already face significant environmental challenges. For example, according to a study by Stanford Medicine, Black Americans are significantly more likely to die from causes related to air pollution.

We urge the EPA to reconsider this decision and to prioritize the health and well-being of our children and future generations.

Learn More About the Endangerment Finding

About Young, Gifted & Green

Young, Gifted & Green is a civil rights and environmental justice organization with a mission to empower communities to take action and advocate against the crisis of lead exposure and environmental injustice in disadvantaged communities.