In August, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule to repeal the “2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards” as part of the administration’s plan to deregulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This longstanding, science-based finding underpins federal regulations of GHGs, including GHG emissions from vehicles that are the largest source of emissions both here in Multnomah County and nationally.
Multnomah County’s Office of Sustainability and Health Department have submitted a joint public comment letter opposing the proposed rule change.
Before the proposal can be finalized, a public comment period allows anyone — including local governments — to submit letters to the EPA requesting revisions to the proposed rule. The EPA must review and categorize each public comment, and may respond to comments, as well. These public comments can also serve as administrative records/evidence during litigation.
Multnomah County is now on the record supporting existing GHG regulations and opposing what amounts to the EPA’s and the federal government’s abandonment of any role in protecting the United States from climate change and its resulting harms.
