The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rescinding the so-called “Endangerment Finding.” Since 2010, this finding has formed the legal basis for regulating climate pollution from major sources, including vehicles and power plants. It stemmed from the EPA’s determination, in 2009, that climate pollutants “threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.” If taken to an extreme, rescinding the finding would lead to the repeal of nearly every federal regulation of such pollutants.
This proposal comes as climate change–supercharged by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere–is causing infrastructure to collapse, diseases to spread, sea levels to rise, food systems to falter, heat waves to intensify and storms to strengthen around the globe. Every major scientific organization recognizes climate change as real, human-caused, and a serious threat to the habitability of wide swathes of the planet.
Therefore, the UMCJM Advocacy Working Group urges all United Methodists to submit comments opposing any repeal or weakening of the Endangerment Finding. If you have time, to begin, you might familiarize yourself with the legal history of the finding, the environmental and health benefits the finding has afforded, and the likely impacts, should it be repealed. Sources for such information include:
Once you feel comfortable about expressing your opinions, navigate here and follow the instructions. Don’t forget to point out that, as a person of Christian faith, you believe we are responsible to care for this earth, God’s masterpiece and the home of present and future generations.
Comments must be received by September 15, 2025.