Staff ReportsThe Biden administration is at it once again with their Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangerment Finding, a prime example of government overreach that has become a headache for everyday Americans. This costly decree, implemented during the Obama era, continues to haunt the nation by classifying carbon dioxide—an essential component of life—as a pollutant. The ramifications of this misguided decision are far-reaching, impacting energy costs, consumer choices, and even the fabric of individual freedoms.
With the push to promote a climate agenda, the EPA has taken the green light given by the Endangerment Finding to usher in an avalanche of regulations. By declaring CO₂ a pollutant under the Clean Air Act, bureaucrats have granted themselves the power to meddle in aspects of life that should remain firmly in the hands of the people. This has led to a federal overreach that burdens industries and families alike, all while claiming to “save the planet.”
EPA’s “Carbon Scare Framework” aka “Endangerment Finding” – A Classic Case of Government Overreachhttps://t.co/obSNrwKSEE
The unintended consequences o…— Watts Up With That (@wattsupwiththat) February 1, 2025
The consequences of classifying carbon dioxide in such a detrimental manner are evident. Energy costs have skyrocketed as the EPA imposes restrictions that threaten to dismantle reliable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. This misguided crusade has not only pushed affordable energy out of the market but has also raised serious concerns about reliability. All the while, the average American is left to pick up the tab, benefiting from fewer choices and higher bills—thanks to regulations designed to limit CO₂ that provide more heat than light.
This toxic combination of high costs and limited choices extends to other sectors. For instance, automobile manufacturers are stuck with regulations that drive up vehicle prices while hastening the shift toward electric vehicles, which come with their own set of headaches. These mandates don’t just push consumers towards more expensive options. They also result in policies that decrease the viability of traditional vehicles that many Americans depend on. When combined with energy efficiency laws that’ve led to pricier and less durable home appliances, it’s hard not to see this regulatory obsession as a simple scheme to inflate costs.
Agriculture, a cornerstone of America’s economy, is similarly caught in this web of regulatory nonsense. Farmers are under increasing pressure to cut down on methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which have led to upticks in production costs. These costs invariably trickle down to consumers, driving up food prices and jeopardizing food security. What’s particularly galling is that this regulatory burden disproportionately affects low-income households, which have the hardest time accommodating surging prices caused by regulations that seem more about virtue signaling than genuine environmental concern.
Critics of the Endangerment Finding point out its narrow focus on carbon dioxide while ignoring larger environmental impacts. The drive toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar, while touted as the eco-friendly solution, often comes with significant downsides. The land used for these projects disrupts ecosystems, and the mining for rare materials poses serious environmental threats. The simplistic and alarmist view pushed by the EPA ignores these complexities and the real costs that accompany their regulatory fervor.
The path forward for the United States is clear: the Endangerment Finding must be rescinded. This would not signal the abandonment of environmental considerations but rather allow for a more nuanced and productive discussion about energy and climate policies. A fresh approach should celebrate innovation and voluntary initiatives, steering clear of the heavy-handed mandates that have made life more difficult for American families. In an era of rising costs and shrinking choices, it’s time to dismantle the “Carbon Scare Framework” of the EPA and replace it with a balanced, evidence-based policy that truly benefits the American people.
