In a statement that underscores the schism between state-level environmental ambitions and federal regulatory shifts, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has voiced stern opposition to the recent move by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at unraveling a key climate protection measure. Kotek's remarks arrive after the EPA announced intentions to roll back the Endangerment Finding—a critical benchmark in climate policy established in 2009, which highlighted the threat posed by emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane to public health.
"The Endangerment Finding that came out 16 years ago paved the way for federal action to reduce carbon pollution from sources like tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks that impact public health and contribute to the impacts from climate change," Kotek stated, as reported by the Governor's Office. She then criticized the federal government for what she views as a regression, saying, "From cuts to critical research at NASA and NOAA to undermining the regulation of harmful air pollutants, we are seeing a dismantling of climate science and public health protections across the federal government. This is alarming."
Oregon, renowned for its green policies and environmental leadership, maintains climate pollution reduction goals anchored in scientific findings. Kotek highlighted the state's commitment to pursuing its climate objectives regardless of the EPA's stance, emphasizing that "Oregonians value public health decisions based on science, not politics," according to the Governor's Office. The governor expressed the need for cooperation from the federal government in reducing air pollution, especially as it does not adhere to state boundaries.
The EPA's Endangerment Finding dawned as a response to the Supreme Court’s 2007 ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA. In that decision, the Court mandated that the EPA regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles upon determining that such emissions may cause, or contribute to climate change that endangers human health and well-being. The unraveling of this finding marks an about-face from over a decade of regulatory action aimed at curtailing the climate crisis.
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