NC Joins Litigation Challenging Repeal of the “Endangerment Finding”

NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson last week joined attorneys general from 23 other states in challenging the Trump EPA’s decision to revoke its determination that the release of greenhouse gases driving climate change represents a threat to human health and the environment. 

That EPA determination – known as the “endangerment finding” – was first issued during the Obama Administration. It forms a critical piece of the legal foundation for most national greenhouse gas regulations, including the network of auto and truck fuel efficiency standards that have produced over a decade of progress in reducing automotive air pollution. 

Repeal of Endangerment Finding Costs Consumers

In his news release announcing the states’ challenge to the revocation of the “endangerment finding” AG Jackson noted that the end of automotive efficiency standards alone will cost consumers nearly $1.5 trillion in higher fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. He said, “The EPA’s own numbers show this rollback will raise gas prices and cost families more than it saves. We’re going to court to stop it.” 

“The EPA’s rescission of the Endangerment Finding is a massive step backward that threatens our efforts to lower costs and keep people safe from extreme weather events,” added NC Governor Josh Stein. “I thank Attorney General Jackson for taking action to protect North Carolinians’ pocketbooks and futures.”This lawsuit by states and cities joins an earlier court challenge filed by a coalition of public health and environmental groups.