US states file lawsuit challenging Trump's revocation of climate finding

"Established in 2009, the endangerment finding concludes that climate change is a threat to human health and the environment, a position aligned with an overwhelming scientific consensus. The finding formed the basis for government regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions and encourage renewable energy."

"Instead of helping Americans face our new reality, the Trump administration has chosen denial, repealing the critical protections that are foundational to the federal government's response to climate change, New York State Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement."

"Its rescission was the single largest deregulatory action in US history, Trump said last month. Ending the endangerment finding, however, was seen by critics as a crucial step in the president's efforts to roll back environmental protections."

Twenty-three states, led by California and New York, filed a legal petition in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging Trump's February 12 decision to revoke the endangerment finding. This 2009 determination concluded that climate change threatens human health and the environment, aligning with scientific consensus. The finding formed the basis for federal regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. The Trump administration characterized the revocation as the largest deregulatory action in US history, claiming it benefits the fossil fuel industry. Critics view the rescission as a critical step in dismantling environmental protections. The petition targets the US Environmental Protection Agency and includes support from nine cities, several counties, the US Virgin Islands, District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

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