Official Statement on the Rescission of the 2009 U.S. Endangerment Finding
Statement from Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick:
“We are deeply concerned that the federal administration has repealed the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, erasing a foundational piece of the country’s efforts to address climate change. This action, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, represents one of the largest environmental rollbacks in U.S history. It stands in stark opposition to actions taken by the Green administration to combat climate change, increase resilience, and accelerate our transition to 100% clean, renewable energy.
“Hawaiʻi’s energy policy is guided by clear priorities: lowering costs for families, reducing carbon emissions, strengthening grid reliability, and accelerating our transition to 100% clean, renewable energy. This recent federal action does not alter Hawaiʻi’s statutory and regulatory obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The State’s requirements remain in full effect under HRS §§ 225P-5 and 342B-71, as well as HAR § 11-60.1-204(k), and continue to guide our efforts to meet Hawaiʻi’s climate commitments.”
Statement from Attorney General Anne Lopez:
“EPA’s rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding ignores decades of scientific evidence and decades of law confirming the agency’s authority to protect public health from greenhouse gas pollution. This decision jeopardizes the air we breathe, the health of our communities, and the safety of future generations. Hawai‘i and our partners across the country will continue to hold federal agencies accountable to the law and to the science that supports it.
“This decision does not change the state’s ongoing litigation holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate-related harms, and we remain committed to using every legal tool available to protect our communities and environment.”