Colorado officials oppose EPA decision to revoke greenhouse gas endangerment finding

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -Multiple Colorado state organizations and officials are voicing opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to revoke a scientific finding that focuses on greenhouse gas emissions.

President Donald Trump announced the decision, saying the administration is “repealing the ridiculous endangerment finding and terminating all additional green emission standards imposed unnecessarily on vehicle models and engines between 2012 and 2027 and beyond.”

Administration cites economic benefits

The Trump administration is rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding, which serves as the basis for nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for cars and trucks.

The administration is citing economic factors as one of the reasons for the repeal. Trump said the action “will save American consumers trillions of dollars and will lower the average cost of a new vehicle by close to $3,000.”

Colorado officials raise concerns

Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office, questioned the decision.

“It’s very hard to see any justification for repealing the finding,” Toor said. “The science is clear that greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change, which will impact public health and welfare.”

Toor said the finding has led to manufacturers making improvements that have made vehicles more fuel efficient. He said studies have shown that rolling back regulations could lead to people spending more at the pump.

“It is ultimately going to lead to Coloradans shelling out much more money for gas in the coming years and will have the effect of really billions of dollars a year of higher fuel costs for Coloradans,” Toor said.

He said revoking the finding could have negative impacts on multiple areas.

“I think it is a real lose-lose-lose for the residents of Colorado,” Toor said. “If this really moves forward, it will hurt consumers, it will hurt our public health, and it will hurt our economy.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement that he will challenge the decision in court.

“There is no legal or scientific justification to roll back decades of progress in fighting climate change by undoing a finding rooted in well-established research and common sense: greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles endanger public health and welfare,” Weiser said.

Governor Jared Polis also released a statement opposing the decision.

“The science is clear that pollution from cars and trucks harms our air quality and puts families – especially kids, seniors, and those with health conditions – at greater risk,” Polis said in the statement. “Rolling back long-standing protections creates uncertainty for consumers and businesses at a time when we should be investing in cleaner air, innovation, and energy diversity.”

Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, also released a statement.

“Vehicle exhaust is one of the largest contributors to climate and air quality challenges in Colorado, and the progress we’ve made has been driven by science, innovation, and a commitment to protecting people’s health,” Hunsaker Ryan said. “While we review the federal action, Colorado remains focused on providing consumers with cleaner choices, supporting emerging technologies, and advancing solutions that lead to healthier air for communities across our state.”

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