Connecticut and many other states are fighting to preserve the 2009 Endangerment Finding the Trump administration is working to rescind. The bedrock determination established greenhouse gas emissions negatively affect public health and has been essential to national climate change efforts.
State Attorney General William Tong is working with California’s AG on legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency, joined by several other states.
Julianna Larue, organizer for the Connecticut chapter of the Sierra Club, describes how the change can impact Connecticut.
"If we’re looking at the Clean Air Act, it may affect how Connecticut reacts to environmental regulations in the state," Larue explained. "I also think with the repealing of the Endangerment Finding, Connecticut can be making sure we’re leading in regulating emissions."
The national Sierra Club is also suing the EPA to reverse its decision. President Donald Trump claims rescinding the finding and the EPA eliminating vehicle carbon emission standards will save taxpayers' transportation and energy costs. However, data show it will increase costs for most Americans.
As the federal government seeks to roll back environmental regulations, states like Connecticut are beefing up their climate policies. A key priority this year is passing the state’s Climate Change Superfund Act, which fines large-scale greenhouse gas contributors and uses those dollars for climate resilience projects statewide.
Larue noted farmers are supporting the bill after they have seen the effects of climate change firsthand.
"The damages in 2023, when there was a drought, and then soon thereafter, there was a big rainstorm that wiped out millions of dollars in losses for farms," Larue outlined. "A lot of farmers are stepping up."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Connecticut experienced 10 "billion-dollar disasters" between 2020 and 2024.
The bill received widespread support during a public hearing. It faces opposition from the fossil fuel industry, which claims this will raise energy prices. However, there is no evidence to support the claim, and even groups like the American Petroleum Institute admit markets set the prices.
