Phoenix: Environmental advocates are raising alarms as the Trump administration's decision to cease regulation of greenhouse gas emissions threatens to impact the state of Arizona significantly, as reported by local media on Monday. The move has triggered concerns among state officials, with at least one elected representative contemplating a lawsuit against the federal government.
According to Anadolu Agency, on Thursday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the termination of the agency's 2009 endangerment finding, a decision reported by the Tucson Sentinel website. This finding, originating from a 2007 US Supreme Court ruling, affirmed the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases endangering public health. It has long been a foundational element for emissions standards governing major pollution sources like cars, airplanes, and power plants.
The revocation aligns with US President Donald Trump's agenda to dismantle climate regulations impacting the auto and fossil fuel sectors. During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised fossil fuel executives he would eliminate environmental rules to bolster their profits if they helped raise $1 billion for his presidential bid. Legal challenges are anticipated once the repeal is finalized, and Arizona may be among the states to pursue litigation.
At a press conference on Friday, Kirsten Engel, head of the environmental protection unit in the Arizona Attorney General's Office, criticized the EPA's decision. She indicated that legal action is among the options being considered. Attorney General Kris Mayes views the elimination of the endangerment finding as both unlawful and contrary to the EPA's mission to safeguard public health. Engel stated, "The attorney general opposes it and considers that every option that her office has is on the table in response."
The rollback of this key federal climate regulation has unsettled environmental advocates. Pita Juarez, Arizona field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, a group with 1.6 million members nationwide, including 28,000 in Arizona, condemned the decision as reckless, warning of severe consequences. "Our children and future generations will pay the price for this unprecedented attack on public health protections," Juarez warned, emphasizing Arizona's vulnerability if greenhouse gas regulations are weakened further.
Despite Trump's claims that climate change is a hoax, extensive scientific research has shown that greenhouse gas emissions are elevating global temperatures, necessitating substantial reductions to prevent further warming. The last four years have been the hottest recorded in the US, with Arizona enduring significant impacts. In Phoenix, the summer of 2025 saw 113 consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures, and statewide, extreme heat was linked to or caused up to 427 deaths last year.
Rep. Mariana Sandoval, representing rural and agricultural communities, highlighted the risks posed to farmworkers and outdoor laborers if federal climate change measures are scaled back. She cautioned that endangering outdoor workers, including those in agriculture, would have extensive repercussions. "Rescinding the endangerment clause is like taking all the road signs and the highway patrol off of the interstate," Sandoval remarked. "It puts everyone at risk."
Sandoval, who has advocated for stronger state-level heat mitigation policies with limited success in the Republican-controlled Legislature, expressed uncertainty about how Arizona could intervene if federal protections are rescinded. With the legislative session nearing its end, introducing new proposals this year seems improbable, but discussions with the governor's and attorney general's offices are planned to explore potential strategies.
Last month, the state's Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, established by Gov. Katie Hobbs, released recommendations to enhance worker protections amid rising temperatures. The proposals urge employers to provide water, shade, and rest breaks during extreme heat periods. However, critics and workers argue that these guidelines lack enforcement measures. Sandoval agreed that stronger enforcement of worker protections is necessary to ensure compliance.
An advisory committee to the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health is set to take a final vote on the proposed rules on March 3.