FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
CONTACT: Liane Jollon, Executive Director, 970-769-0354, liane@westernleaders.org
Jessica Pace, Program Director, 615-294-2049, jess@westernleaders.org

Western Leaders Network condemns EPA repeal of endangerment finding

EPA rollback makes climate denial official at the expense of public health, environment and communities’ well-being

Statement from Western Leaders Network Executive Director Liane Jollon: 

“Since 2009, the endangerment finding has provided the legal and scientific basis for safeguards that help local, tribal and state governments address the impacts of climate change, protect community health and build stronger economies. By rescinding it, Administrator Lee Zeldin ignores science and abdicates EPA’s core responsibility to protect people from the pollution that puts human health and our climate future at risk. Local, tribal, and state governments remain on the frontlines of meaningful climate action and will continue to fight for healthy air, clean energy solutions, and the economic benefits that come with it.”  

Background
In July 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposal to repeal the 2009 federal greenhouse gas endangerment finding. This finding is a formal determination by the EPA confirming that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare and are leading causes of climate change. Upheld repeatedly in federal courts, it obligates the federal government to take action to control these emissions. It has since served as the scientific and legal foundation for policies that regulate pollution, including emission limits for vehicles and other air quality safeguards. 

Western Leaders Network harnesses the power of local, tribal, and state elected and appointed officials to address the climate crisis, advance conservation initiatives, and protect democracy.