Private sector support highlights the economic case for maintaining EPA authority to limit climate pollution

Ceres applauds the robust private-sector support for maintaining the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to protect the economy and the public from climate pollution. 

Companies, investors, and trade groups across the economy this week made the urgent business and economic case against repealing the 2009 Endangerment Finding, the policy foundation that allows the EPA to set federal greenhouse gas standards to address and manage climate change. 

Monday marked the conclusion of the EPA's public comment period as it considers repealing the Endangerment Finding, which determined greenhouse gas emissions present a public health threat and are therefore subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. 

Public comments opposing repeal include a submission from the Business Roundtable, one of the most powerful business groups in the world. Other submissions came from Airlines for America, the Zero Emission Transportation Association, and through letters signed by individual companies and business leaders organized by Ceres and E2. Collectively, they demonstrate that companies and investors see significant economic risk in repeal. 

“Investors and businesses know that repealing the EPA’s authority to limit climate pollution would have grave economic consequences for the United States and the companies operating within it,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations, Ceres. “Repeal would bring uncertainty to investors, new legal and regulatory risk to companies, less innovation in key 21^st-century technologies, and further harm to our climate – jeopardizing both human health and critical economic pillars. Private-sector leaders are today making their position clear and will continue to argue against repealing this crucial policy foundation. We urge the EPA to heed their call and do its job to protect the U.S. economy.” 

The Business Roundtable represents the leaders of some of America's largest companies, many of whom are members of Ceres’ policy and company networks. Additional examples of private-sector support for maintaining the Endangerment Finding include: a statement from Airlines for America, which represents the U.S. airline industry; comments from the Zero Emission Transportation Association, whose members include automakers, battery manufacturers, and tech companies; a letter organized by Ceres and signed by more than 60 companies and investors that collectively employ 270,000 Americans; and a letter organized by E2 that included more than 175 business signatories.  

Ceres will continue working with companies and investors in the coming months to educate key stakeholders about the risks of repeal, organize meetings with EPA staff and members of Congress, and further amplify private-sector opposition to undermining EPA’s vital authority to address and manage climate change.    

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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.