In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed findings regarding greenhouse gases under Clean Air Act, including what is known as the Endangerment Finding – focused on the conclusion that current and projected concentrations of the certain greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations. This finding served as the legal basis on which the federal government can regulate greenhouse gas emissions based on public health. In July 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposal to rescind that finding. The ELCA gave testimony at an EPA public hearing in support of upholding the finding. The Rev. Kaari Reierson, ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility Program Director, delivered that testimony based upon ELCA social teaching, and several other ELCA ministers testified. Public comments were also recorded in the Federal Register.
Despite these efforts to bring forward concerns, plus an ELCA advocacy meeting with the EPA Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, repeal of the Endangerment Finding was announced by the EPA on Feb. 12, 2026. “While this recent move is deeply disappointing,” said Christine Moffett, ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy, “we continue to monitor legal challenges as well as any legislative opportunities to ensure public health protections for current and future generations.”
Upon announcement to rescind the Endangerment Finding, the following statement from the ELCA has been circulated.
February 12, 2026
ELCA Statement on EPA Decision to Rescind the Endangerment Finding
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) expresses profound concern and disappointment regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to rescind the endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions. This action undermines our collective responsibility to care for God’s creation and protect the well-being of current and future generations.
As people of faith, we recognize the wisdom of science as a God-given gift that illuminates our path forward. The overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change compels us to act with urgency and moral clarity. We have declared this a “Kairos moment” – an ancient Greek term meaning a critical, decisive time when action is essential. The removal of this finding sets us back precisely when moving forward on climate action is imperative.
The ELCA’s social teaching on climate change is grounded in our understanding that creation is a gift from God, entrusted to our care not for exploitation, but for stewardship. We are called to share this gift equitably and preserve it for those who come after us. Removing the endangerment finding eliminates a crucial regulatory framework necessary to fulfill this sacred responsibility.
The ELCA has consistently called for increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. We have also clearly rejected approaches that prioritize short-term economic considerations over the long-term social, economic, and ecological well-being of future generations. We oppose any attempts to weaponize or distort scientific research or to misrepresent the intentions of those working to address this crisis.
This EPA decision does both of those things – it distorts scientific research and prioritizes the present over the future. We urge the EPA to reconsider this decision and to restore protections that heeds extensive scientific evidence, protects human health and honors our sacred obligation to care for creation.
The Rev. Amy Reumann
Senior Director, Witness in Society
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
