BREAKING: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced plans to terminate the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), a critical federal rule that tracks greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities. This decision, impacting over 8,000 facilities, including power plants and oil refineries, raises immediate concerns about transparency and public health.
The EPA’s move could save American businesses up to $2.4 billion in regulatory costs, according to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. However, critics fear that dismantling this program will shield major industrial polluters from scrutiny and leave the public in the dark about climate pollution levels. The GHGRP has been in place since 2009 and is vital for guiding federal policy and enabling companies to meet emissions-reduction benchmarks.
Zeldin stated, “Unlike other mandatory information collections under the Clean Air Act, the GHGRP is not directly related to a potential regulation and has no material impact on improving human health and the environment.” He emphasized that ending the program is a significant step toward reducing red tape and enhancing American energy operations.
However, certain facilities, particularly fossil fuel operations, will still be required to report emissions under the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted during the Biden administration. Notably, the EPA has proposed delaying emissions data collection requirements until 2034, a move that has raised further alarms among environmental experts.
Former EPA official Joseph Goffman criticized the decision, stating, “Cutting the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program blinds Americans to the facts about climate pollution.” He asserted that the lack of transparency would hinder policymakers’ ability to make informed decisions regarding emissions and public health.
Health advocates are also sounding the alarm. Will Barrett from the American Lung Association warned, “Measuring and reporting climate pollution is a critical step in reducing the deadly impacts of climate-driven extremes.” He urged that ignoring this reality is a dangerous choice for American families.
In light of these developments, the EPA plans to open a public comment period to gather feedback on the proposal before finalizing it. This unfolding situation poses significant implications for environmental policy and public health across the nation.
As this story develops, stakeholders and citizens alike are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the public discussion on this crucial issue. The future of climate accountability hangs in the balance.
