In a recent exchange between Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ed Markey and President-elect Donald Trump’s EPA administrator pick Lee Zeldin, Zeldin did not explicitly state that he believes the agency has an obligation to regulate planet-warming pollution resulting from burning fossil fuels.
The conversation referenced a significant 2007 Supreme Court ruling that determined greenhouse gas pollution from burning oil, gas, or coal falls under the category of air pollutants as defined by the Clean Air Act. This ruling granted the EPA the authority to regulate such emissions.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that under the administration of President Joe Biden, the EPA has introduced several key regulations aimed at reducing planet-warming pollution originating from vehicle tailpipes, power plants, and oil and gas operations. Conversely, Trump had expressed intentions to reverse these regulations.
Markey questioned Zeldin on whether he acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling that the EPA is mandated to regulate greenhouse gases. Zeldin responded by stating that the decision does not impose an obligation on the EPA but rather authorizes the agency to regulate greenhouse gases. He emphasized that specific steps would need to be taken by the EPA to establish an obligation to regulate such emissions.
The conversation comes at a time when environmental concerns are at the forefront, with events like the Los Angeles wildfires and severe hurricanes serving as stark reminders of the impact of climate change. The stance of government officials on regulating greenhouse gases is crucial in addressing these pressing environmental issues.
