For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2010

Contact: Maggie Kao, 202-675-2384

EPA Denies Petitions Disputing Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Findings
Sierra Club Applauds EPA Action to Protect Public Health and Environment

Washington, D.C. - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today denied petitions by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and nine other groups to reconsider the 2009 Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases section of the Clean Air Act (the “Endangerment Finding”).  After careful review of the petitions, the EPA reinforced that climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions threatens public health and the environment, and that the scientific evidence supporting the Endangerment Finding is sound.  The Sierra Club issued the following statement in response to the EPA announcement.

Statement of Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director

“Today, the EPA took the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other climate deniers to school.  Lisa Jackson’s announcement demonstrates once again the undeniable scientific evidence linking greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants to climate change and public health issues.

The science supporting the Endangerment Finding of the Clean Air Act remains strong and has been reinforced by recent additional major assessments and individual scientific studies, effectively debunking the petitioners’ claims that the science underlying the EPA’s determination was flawed or corrupted.

The evidence for the argument against the Endangerment Finding is simply not there.  Nor is there support from the public for such claims. 

Conservationists, members of labor community, veterans, small businesses, communities of faith, and everyday citizens all agree that something must be done to reduce global warming pollution.

The Sierra Club strongly supports EPA efforts to protect the public health and the environment, and we applaud the EPA for taking action today to ensure clean air for our communities.”

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