Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Statement Condemning the Illegal Rescission of EPAS’s Landmark 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Stands Firm Against EPA's Rescission of Endangerment Finding

In response to the recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued a strong statement condemning the move. The Endangerment Finding, which determined that greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles contribute to climate change and endanger public health and welfare, was a direct result of the landmark 2007 Supreme Court decision in Massachusetts v. EPA.

Mayor Johnson expressed his disappointment in the Trump administration's disregard for public health and the environment, calling their actions "callous." He reaffirmed Chicago's commitment to protecting its residents and stated that they will continue to fight against dangerous federal actions through both legal means and their day-to-day efforts to make the city safer and healthier for all.

The mayor also emphasized that Chicago will not be swayed by corporate interests, particularly when it comes to mitigating harmful impacts on Black and Brown communities. He pledged to work closely with climate experts, community members, and other local, state, and federal partners to safeguard public health, prevent further degradation of the environment, and defend every Chicagoan's right to clean air.

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The 2009 Endangerment Finding was a significant step in addressing climate change as it confirmed EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. After years of scientific review, EPA concluded that these emissions from motor vehicles contribute to air pollution that drives climate change. The agency then set standards to limit these emissions.

However, EPA's recent rescission of the Endangerment Finding is based on a flawed assertion that it lacks legal authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This argument has been soundly rejected by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, this decision ignores longstanding scientific evidence that greenhouse gases do indeed endanger public health and welfare.

The rule put forth by EPA eliminates all existing and future federal greenhouse gas standards for vehicles, which goes against the agency's legal obligations and fundamental responsibility to protect public health and welfare from environmental harm.

This move by the Trump administration has been met with widespread criticism. In August 2025, hundreds of individuals, including government officials, scientists, and public health advocates, testified before the EPA. They highlighted the illegality of the proposed rescission, the agency's reliance on flawed and unscientific sources to deny climate change, and its failure to acknowledge the impact of climate change on everyday life and personal health.

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Chicago has also joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and seven counties and cities in submitting two comment letters urging EPA to abandon their proposed rescission. These letters argue that such a decision would violate settled law, clear Supreme Court precedent, and scientific consensus. It would also endanger millions of Americans, particularly those living in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms.

The mayor's firm stance against EPA's rescission of the Endangerment Finding sends a strong message that Chicago will not back down in its fight against climate change. With support from various partners and experts, they will continue to prioritize the health and well-being of their residents while working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

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