New Mexico Environment Secretary Mourns EPA Repeal of “Endangerment Finding” Policy on Greenhouse Gas
State Agency Press Release – From the New Mexico Environment Department
Sec. Kenney statement on repeal of EPA endangerment finding
SANTA FE — New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s repeal of its “endangerment finding” — a policy that has served as the bedrock for federal environment and health advancements for decades:
“Today, the federal government destroyed decades of established policies grounded in hard science recognized by the American and global scientific community. As a science-based organization working to help New Mexicans breathe cleaner air and drink cleaner water, we are in a moment of mourning and an ever-greater need for bold state action.
“The endangerment finding was adopted in 2009 based on scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to Americans’ health and welfare. Over the past 17 years, it served as the foundation for many of the federal government’s most ambitious climate rules and initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
“The Trump administration argues that the endangerment finding drove up costs and stalled new business in the United States. In reality, repealing it will discourage domestic investments and slow technology innovation. It will also burden household budgets with higher healthcare, insurance and disaster recovery costs directly linked to a warming climate.
“Today marks a moment to mourn the loss of important federal policy informed by decades of tireless work by environmental advocates, scientists and others who believe not only in protecting the environment, but also in building a more prosperous future for generations to come. As someone who worked at the EPA for more than two decades, I am personally heartbroken for the dedicated career EPA scientific, technical and legal staff whose work was irresponsibly erased today.
“However, today must also mark a moment for doubling down on bold action. Over the past seven years, New Mexico demonstrated that job growth, economic development, and greenhouse gas reductions are possible. We set the stage for the state to be a beacon of environmental and economic progress amid a federal government taking steps that threaten the environment and the economy.
“Let me be clear: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration will continue our work to innovate around climate solutions that are good for our people and economy.”