Portland, OR – Last week, President Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced they would revoke the landmark legal finding that classified pollution from cars, trucks and power plants as harmful to public health – a devastating blow that will lead to more pollution, more extreme weather events, a worsening climate crisis, and increased health costs for communities across the country.
Known more commonly as the endangerment finding, the ruling served as the foundation for Clean Air Act emissions standards and rules for cars and trucks, power plants, and oil and gas industry facilities. In addition to rescinding the finding, the EPA announced it would also be eliminating all federal clean vehicle standards – another major setback for the health and safety of communities both in Oregon and across the country.
Notably, not a single Republican candidate for Governor has spoken out against Trump’s actions on pollution regulations. In 2022, Sen. Christine Drazan promised during her campaign that she would undo pollution regulations on day 1 if elected as governor. Rep. Ed Diehl has been a vocal supporter of repealing the climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, and Chris Dudley regularly avoided questions on the topic of environmental issues in 2010.
“This is a reckless move that will endanger the health and livelihoods of so many Oregonians,” said Candy Emmons, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “We’re already dealing with the impacts of climate change all across the state through increased wildfire risk, record snow drought, and public health concerns due to air pollution. It has an economic impact too – at least four of Oregon’s ski areas announced indefinite suspensions or significant reductions in operations earlier this month due to the warmer winter and low snowpack. We need common-sense protections in place, and this administration is stripping them away.”
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