{"id":8588,"date":"2026-02-20T14:30:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T20:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?p=8588"},"modified":"2026-02-20T15:34:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:34:11","slug":"profound-concern-over-epa-rescinding-of-endangerment-finding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/profound-concern-over-epa-rescinding-of-endangerment-finding\/","title":{"rendered":"Profound Concern Over EPA Rescinding of Endangerment Finding"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed findings regarding greenhouse gases under Clean Air Act, including what is known as the Endangerment Finding<\/a> – 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> was announced by the EPA on Feb. 12, 2026. “While this recent move is deeply disappointing,\u201d said Christine Moffett, ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy, \u201cwe continue to monitor legal challenges as well as any legislative opportunities to ensure public health protections for current and future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Upon announcement to rescind the Endangerment Finding, the following statement from the ELCA has been circulated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

February 12, 2026<\/p>\n

ELCA Statement on EPA Decision to Rescind the\u202fEndangerment Finding<\/h4>\n

\"A<\/a>The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) expresses\u202fprofound concern and disappointment<\/strong>\u202fregarding\u202fthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s decision to rescind the endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions. This action\u202fundermines our collective responsibility to care for God\u2019s creation<\/strong>\u202fand protect the well-being of current and future generations.<\/p>\n

As people of faith, we recognize the wisdom of science as a God-given gift that illuminates our path forward.\u202fThe overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change compels us to act with urgency and moral clarity.<\/strong>\u202fWe have declared this a \u201cKairos moment\u201d – 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.<\/p>\n

The ELCA\u2019s social teaching on climate change is grounded in our understanding that\u202fcreation is a gift from God<\/strong>, 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\u202fendangerment\u202ffinding\u202feliminates\u202fa crucial regulatory framework necessary to fulfill this sacred responsibility.<\/p>\n

The ELCA has consistently called for\u202fincreased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.\u202f<\/strong>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.\u202fWe oppose any attempts to weaponize or distort scientific research<\/strong>\u202for to misrepresent the intentions of those working to address this crisis.<\/p>\n

This EPA decision does both of those\u202fthings – 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\u202fextensive\u202fscientific evidence,\u202fprotects\u202fhuman\u202fhealth and honors our sacred obligation to care for creation.<\/p>\n

The Rev. Amy Reumann
\nSenior Director, Witness in Society
\nEvangelical Lutheran Church in America<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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. 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