TAKE ACTION TO SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT

By Michelle (Mickey) L Croyle

Both the US Congress and the US EPA are working to roll back and remove regulations to protect our world from pollution by restricting both the Clean Air and Clear Water Act.  As individuals we can raise our voices to prevent

1. Take action to save the Clean Water ACT
LWV Upper Mississippi River Region Interleague organization received permission from LWVUS to write our US Representatives. Using League positions, the LWV MO sent letters to the Missouri US Hours of Representatives.
As individuals,  we had can raise our voices to oppose this Act as well.

The U.S. House of Representatives is advancing legislation that would gut the Clean Water Act and make it easier for polluters to contaminate rivers, lakes, wetlands, and drinking water sources. The “PERMIT Act” (H.R. 3898) is a package of over 15 anti-clean water bills and is one of the most extreme threats to clean water protections we have seen in decades. The bill's text can be found on Congress.gov. 

Talking Points for the Permit Act

• Removes the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to block dangerous projects, limits the rights of states and tribes to protect their own waters, shields polluters from being held accountable, and opens the door to unchecked pollution.

• Cuts protections for streams and wetlands,

• Let’s political appointees decide which waters can be excluded from protections,

• Promotes cost savings for polluters over science-based water quality standards,

• Discourages advancements in reducing wastewater pollution,

• Takes away state and tribal power,

• Increases the use of outdated pollution standards, and

• Let’s polluters off the hook.

We need to tell our U.S. Representatives to oppose the PERMIT Act and any bill that weakens the Clean Water Act and to stand with communities that depend on clean water, not with polluters. Protect EPA’s ability to enforce pollution safeguards and protect wetlands, headwaters, and drinking water.

Act as an individual and submit a letter or email to your US House Representative. To address a letter or email to your House of Representatives member, begin by identifying them as "The Honorable (Full Name)" and use "United States House of Representatives" in the address. The salutation should be "Dear Representative (Last Name)". When emailing, ensure you include your full name and address, even if using a contact form on their website.

Sample Letter:

Dear Representative, _____________

I urge you to oppose the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898), a bill that would weaken Clean Water Act water pollution programs. This legislation puts polluter profits ahead of reducing water pollution and protecting health and the environment. The bill strips protections from headwater streams, wetlands, and seasonal waterways.

It also removes the EPA’s ability to enforce water pollution safeguards, limits state and tribal rights to protect their own waters and allows more pollution without proper oversight. It also locks in outdated technology requirements, extends pollution permits for up to a decade, and removes liability for toxic chemical discharges.

Saint Louis is in the Mississippi Watershed with the Missouri, Des Peres, Meramec, and Mississippi Rivers run through the Karst topography that rapidly transfers pollutants to ground water, wells, creeks and streams through the fractured limestone.  This Bill will hurt water quality for the region and impact human health and environment. Oppose the Permit Act.

Please stand up for clean water and oppose this bill. Communities across the country depend on you to protect clean water. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Name
address
email
phone number

2. Take action to save the Clean Air Act
The US Environmental Protection Act (EPA) wants to gut the Clean Air Act by rescinding the “endangerment finding”. The EQC2 committee is now asking you to take individual response to oppose the reconsideration by US EPA to overturn the “endangerment finding” that would impact enforcement of the Clean Air Act.

On August 1, 2025, EPA released thefor public comment https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-reconsideration-2009-endangerment-finding period for the US EPA Proposed Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment finding and regulations for vehicle emissions.  Written comments will be accepted through September 15, 2025. Individuals, organizations, communities now have an opportunity to submit comments arguing against this harmful proposed change to regulations: “To view documents supporting this proposed rulemaking as well as comments submitted, please visit regulations.gov and access the rule under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194.

The endangerment finding was issued under the Obama administration in 2009 and serves as the legal underpinning for the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 and methane. In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in Massachusetts v. EPA that greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act, which then triggered the EPA’s obligation to make a science-based determination as to whether they endanger public health and welfare. The finding was the result of an exhaustive examination of peer-reviewed studies and scientific literature going back decades. This scientific analysis has unambiguously shown that greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are heating up the earth’s climate systems, resulting in severe and widespread impacts such as more extreme weather disasters, species extinction, adverse health effects, and damage to ecosystems, infrastructure, and properties. The EPA Administrator, Zeldin is now arguing that “the finding lacks legal and scientific justification. When the finding was made in 2009, the EPA  Zeldin argues that the US EPA had “unreasonably analyzed the scientific record.”  Zeldin also claims that the EPA does not have the legal authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions based on concerns about global climate change, because that the US contribution to the problem is minimal, ignoring the fact that US is currently the world’s second-largest emitter of climate pollution and the largest historical emitter. Along with rescinding the endangerment finding, the EPA is also proposing to eliminate greenhouse gas emission standards for motor vehicles. The transportation sector is the biggest source of these planet-warming emissions in the US. It should be noted that the US EPA is removing all data that supports the Endangerment Finding from their webpage. Just as they removed all reference to DEI in March. Some pages have disappeared completely.
The LWV Metro STL Environmental Quality Committee urge our members to submit individual testimony opposing the proposed rule by US EPA for reconsideration of the “Endangerment Finding”. The endangerment findings enable the US EPA to enforce the Clean Air Act and provides a healthier environment.  St Louis has a long and battled history dealing with air pollution that is currently regulated using the endangerment finding. One historical note is that In 1935 the Missouri Botanical Garden purchased land for the Shaw Nature Preserve because air pollution (prior to Clean air act) made it difficult to propagate plants such as orchids. 

5 Talking points to oppose the US EPA's reconsideration of the endangerment finding

1. The Endangerment Finding is rooted in sound science

The 2009 endangerment finding, that concluded that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, was based on a thorough review of the best available scientific evidence at the time. This scientific evidence supporting the finding has only grown stronger, showing an undeniable link between greenhouse gas emissions and the harms of climate change. The overwhelming scientific consensus, including from leading climate scientists, affirms the finding and leaves no credible basis for reversing it. 

2. Reconsidering the finding undermines efforts to address the climate crisis
The endangerment finding has been the foundation for U.S. climate regulations, including emissions standards for vehicles and power plants. Overturning the finding risks dismantling existing regulations and creating a regulatory vacuum for greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. will not be able to meet its climate commitments and protect communities from the impacts of climate change. 

3. The finding is a necessary tool for environmental protection
The endangerment finding allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Without this authority, the EPA would be unable to address the significant public health and welfare risks posed by climate change.  It will jeopardize the progress made in reducing air pollution and the protection of vulnerable communities from health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular issues) that are exacerbated by wildfire smoke and ground-level ozone.

4. The reconsideration relies on flawed arguments and inaccurate science
The reconsideration of the endangerment findings is focused solely on localize harm rather than global climate change and is a misinterpretation of the Clean Air Act. It ignores the global impact of our country's contribution to global emissions.

5. Upholding the finding is crucial for a stable regulatory environment
The endangerment finding has been repeatedly upheld by courts against legal challenges, demonstrating its robustness and legal basis. Revisiting the finding now introduces uncertainty and instability into the regulatory framework, potentially causing economic disruption and delays in critical climate action.

How to Submit Comments on the Proposed Rule for Consideration 2009 Endangerment Findings
“Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to the docket for this rule through September 15, 2025. There are several ways to provide written comments on the proposal, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194:

• Email: a-and-r-Docket [at] epa.gov (subject: Docket%20ID%20No.%20EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194) (). Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194 in the subject line of the message.

• Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, OAR, Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. Must be received before September 14!
  In written comments submitted to the docket, do not include any information you consider to be sensitive information, including but not limited to Confidential Business Information/Proprietary Business Information, medical information about someone other than yourself, or any information whose disclosure is restricted by an applicable authority. Please visit Commenting on EPA Dockets for more information on submitting comments, including information about how to submit sensitive information such as CBI/PBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments.” 

To view documents supporting this proposed rulemaking as well as comments submitted, please visit regulations.gov and access the rule under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194.

For additional information see the US EPA References.  This includes the Federal Registry FR-2025-08-01  , the Public Notice for comments  and additional information https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-01/pdf/2025-14572.pdf

US EPA Proposed Rule to Reconsideration 2009 Endangerment Finding        https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-reconsideration-2009-endangerment-finding

Proposed Rules Consideration 2009 Endangerment findings https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-reconsideration-2009-endangerment-finding#rule-summary

Public Hearings Notice https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-01/pdf/2025-14555.pdf. 

See below for a sample comment to submit to US EPA opposing this proposed rulemaking.

Sample Comment to US EPA Opposing the Reconsideration of the Endangerment Finding

To: U.S. EPA
Re: Comments on Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194
Proposed Rule Making: US EPA Proposed Rule to Reconsideration 2009 Endangerment Finding and  Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards
From:  Name, address, email

I am submitting comments on the US EPA Proposed Rule to Reconsideration 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards. For decades, the US EPA has had a long history of protecting the health of children, seniors and the rest of us from dangerous pollutants through the Clean Air Act. Enforcement of the Clean Air act relies on the Endangerment Finding. St Louis region has a long and battled history dealing with air pollution. Saint Louis County and City have numerous documented impacts from air pollution including vehicle emissions, coal power plants, and industry.  In the 1930’s the Missouri Botanical Garden purchased land on the Meramec River to ensure their ability to continue to grow plants impacted by the air pollution of the region such as orchids. Under the current Endangerment finding and Clean Air Act, the air quality of St Louis has improved.  St Louis region still however has days that the AQI (Air Quality Index) is unhealthy for those sensitive individuals including those with heart or lung disease, children, and the elderly. So far in 2025, there were 3 days due to high ozone, 2 days because of increased particulates from the Canadian wildfires, and one day when both ozone and particulates were elevated. St louis Region is impacted from the air emissions of the Ameren power plants, including Labadie which is the second dirtiest plant in the US. Mercury and arsenic (from coal burning) and the standards protect our region from the toxic pollutants that are associated with cancer and brain damage in your children. The removal of the endangerment finding will limit regulations on power plants that save lives and billions of dollars on health care expenses. Repealing the Endangerment finding would mean more harmful pollution, driving costly extreme weather events and significant health impacts.

There is strong scientific evidence that support the 2009 endangerment finding. The 2009 endangerment finding, that concluded that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, was based on a thorough review of the best available scientific evidence at the time. This scientific evidence supporting the finding has only grown stronger, showing an undeniable link between greenhouse gas emissions and the harms of climate change. The overwhelming scientific consensus, including from leading climate scientists, affirms the finding and leaves no credible basis for reversing it. It has been upheld in the Courts.

Reconsidering the finding undermines efforts to address the climate crisis
The endangerment finding has been the foundation for U.S. climate regulations, including emissions standards for vehicles and power plants. Overturning the finding risks dismantling existing regulations and creating a regulatory vacuum for greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. will not be able to meet its climate commitments and protect communities from the impacts of climate change.

The finding is a necessary tool for environmental protection
The endangerment finding allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Without this authority, the EPA would be unable to address the significant public health and welfare risks posed by climate change.  It will jeopardize the progress made in reducing air pollution and the protection of vulnerable communities from health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular issues) that are exacerbated by wildfire smoke and ground-level ozone.

The reconsideration relies on flawed arguments
The reconsideration of the endangerment findings are focused solely on localize harm rather than global climate change and is a misinterpretation of the Clean Air Act. It ignores the global impact of our country's contribution to global emissions.

I strongly oppose the proposal to rescind the Endangerment Finding and the elimination greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles. The Clean Air Act must be enforced and used to protect the health and well-being of all living beings. This proposed rule result in unregulated pollution that will impact the health and environment of the community. It will speed climate change and result in increased extreme weather events. This spring the St Louis Area has been impacted by 43 tornados from March 13 to June 30, including the devastating tornado of May 16. if EPA dismantles essential standards, the agency is going to allow for more pollution that will lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease and premature deaths that could be prevented. I oppose both the US EPA Proposed Rule to Reconsideration 2009 Endangerment Finding and the Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards because it will impact the economy, health and well-being of the greater St Louis region.

Sincerely,

Name
Street address
City, State and zip
email
phone

Queston or uncertain, please contact EnvironmentalQuality [at] lwvstl.org (). if you do not have time, or uncertain about submitting testimony the  Sierra Club has a call to action, that you present your comments to the US EPA at https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/epa-moves-roll-back-endangerment-finding-threatening-climate-action.
Or
from LWVUS Climate Interest Group:
As many of you know and have flagged, the EPA has proposed a rule to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, with ramifications for future pollution regulation. LWVUS has already joined partner public comments, which we will post on our public-facing website after they’re submitted. We will also be submitting LWVUS comments with the expert support of the Climate Interest Group.

Rebecca Goldman of LWVUS staff is sharing an opportunity to support this advocacy effort in a personal capacity. If you’re interested, please find below a link to our partner Climate Action Campaign’s (CAC’s) action alert, which you can use to submit draft comments directly to the EPA as an individual https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-the-trump-admins-climate-chaos-plan-2?clear_id=true&source=lwv.

We will keep you informed of the comments the LWVUS submits to EPA in late September.

LWV Climate Interest Groups

Diz Swift

Co-Chair LWVUS Climate Interest Group

Mickey Croyle and the Environmental Quality and Climate Committee August 18, 2025

Environmental Quality Tip: FYI The Environmental Quality and Climate Committee will be providing each month an action or activity that members and or units can do to fight climate change and protect our earth. The September activity is for all members to submit comments opposing the US EPA reconsideration of the Clean Air Act by the reconsideration of the “endangerment finding” and to write your US Representative opposing the HR 3898 See the Environmental Quality and Climate Committee Voter article. 

In the current political status of the US, it is vital to raise your voice to protect both the Clean Air and Clean Water Act.  Submit comments to the US EPA opposing the rescinding of the endangerment finding before September 15, 2025 and send an email to your US Representative opposing HR 3808. See September Environmental Quality and Climate Article. Questions contact EnvironmentalQuality [at] lwvstl.org ().