On December 7th, 2009, as part of the Clean Air Act, an endangerment finding for six greenhouse gases was established. It stated that carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were threats to human health. Administrators determined that these greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution and endanger generations in years to come. New motor vehicles were said to be a large contributor; this finding was used to regulate emissions.
These pollutants are among the largest drivers of climate change. An increase in these gases would speed up the process of ozone cooling and particle pollution, as well as extreme weather. “Certain animals can only have sex ratios in certain temperaments. It can really drastically alter their sex ratios and possibly, if there are no males left, can kill out the species,” senior Rex Regan said.
It is shown that certain greenhouse gases, such as CO2, CH4, N2O, and fluorinated gases, trap heat in the atmosphere. This threat to our air quality will also affect those with respiratory and other health issues. Children and their development will be at risk, increasing the risk of asthma and slower lung growth, along with increasing the chance of respiratory infections for those up to five years old.
On February 12th of this year, this endangerment finding was repealed. This repeal was a result of the Environmental Protection Agency being unauthorized to set standards for greenhouse gas emissions without oversight from Congress. With a decrease in regulations, fossil fuel companies have prioritized gas and oil production while backtracking on renewable energy investments.
Having these regulations removed by April 20th, vehicle manufacturers will not have to limit or measure their greenhouse gas emissions on the federal level for vehicles made during or after 2012. For manufacturers, this lowers compliance costs; this is estimated to save the automotive industry upwards of $1.3 trillion.
“We already did this in the 60’s, before that even, with leaded gases,” Regan said. Leaded gas was having negative effects on human health and development, with it being the dominating vehicle fuel from the 1920’s to the early 70’s. In 1973, the EPA began phasing out leaded gases due to the population’s blood lead levels.
We are aware of the risks, and instead of finding a different way to enforce these necessary standards, we prioritize profit. Over the coming years, we will face the repercussions of this repeal. In our lifetime, we’ve already seen the consequences of climate change and how emissions contribute. Removing regulations on these gases poses a large threat to our current health and that of our future generations.
