Endangerment Finding provides stable policy environment to drive innovation in key sectors

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s move to repeal its greenhouse gas Endangerment Finding threatens to disrupt the stable policy environment that businesses depend on to plan and invest in critical strategic industries, Ceres said in a statement today.  

“For nearly two decades, businesses across the U.S. have directed investment and charted long-term plans based on the widespread understanding that the EPA can and should set rules to address climate pollution,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations, Ceres. “Any move to undo this vital policy foundation would send shockwaves throughout the economy, weakening America’s position in key global sectors including autos and energy. Beyond increasing the risks of climate-related impacts – a concern that major businesses have been raising for decades – it would also upend the policy certainty that has driven years of investment and innovation in efficient, cost-saving technologies that are key to global competitiveness in the 21^st century.” 

Established in 2009, the EPA’s Endangerment Finding is the legal foundation that authorizes and requires the agency to set pollution reduction standards for sources of greenhouse gas emissions that harm public health and welfare. Since then, EPA has set standards for the power, transportation, and oil and gas sectors. Businesses have long supported the agency’s ability to set those standards, with leading U.S. companies in recent years signing their names to letters calling for stronger vehicle, oil and gas, and power plant standards. 

“History has shown time and again that EPA standards have helped lead to technological breakthroughs and efficient business practices. Repealing the Endangerment Finding would greatly inhibit that capability by threatening businesses’ long-term investment plans while forcing them to face a patchwork of state policies and expansive legal risk,” said Ceres CEO and President Mindy Lubber. “Moreover, restricting the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas pollution risks a more extreme climate that threatens both human health and economic pillars such as infrastructure, facilities, and supply chains. As the EPA’s reconsideration process moves forward, Ceres is prepared to highlight the economic case for maintaining a stable policy environment that allows the private sector to invest in solutions that reduce risk and open new business opportunities.” 

In 2009, Ceres submitted public comments on behalf of the companies in its network supporting the Endangerment Finding, noting the risks of greenhouse gas pollution to businesses’ supply chains, workers, consumers, and infrastructure, as well as the competitive advantage of acting quickly to address climate pollution. Businesses are prepared to once again mobilize to push for EPA to uphold the Endangerment Finding following the proposed rollback announced today.  

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About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.