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Following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, which classified carbon dioxide and several greenhouse gases as hazardous to public health, a Senate committee is investigating potential lobbying efforts by the fossil fuel industry that influenced this reversal. The committee sent letters to numerous corporations, including major oil companies and think tanks, requesting documents related to their involvement in this decision. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse voiced concerns about the implications of rescinding the finding, emphasizing its role in empowering the EPA to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. He described the move as benefiting only fossil fuel interests, indicating that such actions illustrate the industry’s influence over the Trump administration.
The committee’s inquiry highlights a shift in tactics following Trump’s re-election, as the previous congressional balance had made similar proposals unthinkable. Whitehouse asserts that the administration, supported by industry-aligned lobbyists in leadership positions, is embarking on a broader campaign against environmental regulations. The ongoing litigation by environmental groups further indicates that the administration’s actions could undermine critical climate protections. The committee, lacking subpoena power due to Republican control, hopes the companies will comply with their request, signaling to polluters that scrutiny remains and setting the stage for future investigations if Democrats regain congressional power.
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Senate Committee Seeks Intel on Polluters’ Efforts to Kill Critical EPA Rule
