Allergy & Asthma Network Opposes Repealing the Endangerment Finding 

FAIRFAX, VA – The following is a statement from Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network, in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) July 29 announcement proposing to reverse the Endangerment Finding, a key air pollution safeguard.  

The Allergy & Asthma Network is deeply concerned with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to reverse the Agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding. If finalized, this measure would dismantle the scientific and legal foundation for regulating harmful greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, resulting in an increase in the risk of adverse outcomes for the well-being of our communities, especially the more than 100 million Americans living with asthma, allergies, and related conditions.  

The 2009 Endangerment Finding was a robust, science-based determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. This finding culminated from extensive scientific research and analysis, affirmed by multiple Administrations, and upheld by courts.  

This reversal of the Endangerment Finding and the subsequent regulations that rely on this critical determination would signify a dangerous regression of scientific and public health advancements. These advancements have been instrumental in shaping policies that incentivize a necessary reduction in greenhouse gases and associated air pollutants, which are known triggers of respiratory illnesses.  

Reversing this finding would lead to increased air pollution, exacerbating conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. This decision would increase the risk to vulnerable populations living near highways, byways and cities, and lead to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs for millions of Americans. 

Allergy & Asthma Network looks forward to participating in the public comment process to ensure that the voices of individuals living with asthma, allergies, and related conditions have a strong voice and advocate in upcoming deliberations to reverse the Endangerment Finding.