Council Urges Congress to Protect Environmental Protections

The Boston City Council condemned the Trump Administration's intention to repeal the EPA's endangerment finding, which classifies greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. The resolution warns that such a repeal would dismantle federal authority to regulate climate pollution from major sources like vehicles and power plants. Council members expressed that this rollback endangers decades of environmental progress and disproportionately affects frontline communities such as East Boston, Dorchester, and South Boston. Notably, the resolution states that increased pollution could escalate costs related to healthcare and disaster recovery as climate impacts intensify. The Council underscored the importance of learning from past environmental struggles, invoking Rachel Carson’s "Silent Spring" as a pivotal moment in the fight for environmental justice.

They formally urged the 119th Congress to reverse the repeal and restore the EPA’s regulatory authority. This resolution reflects a broader commitment to maintaining stringent environmental protections in the face of federal rollbacks. The Council's action underscores local efforts to safeguard public health amid rising climate challenges.