Attorney General Jay Jones announced on Apr. 1 that he has joined a coalition of states, cities, and counties in filing a legal challenge against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt to rescind its 2009 Endangerment Finding regarding greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to address climate change and protect public health in Virginia and across the country. The coalition argues that rolling back the Endangerment Finding threatens environmental progress and could have serious consequences for communities exposed to air pollution.
“For nearly two decades, Virginians have relied on evidence gathered by the scientific community on the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions to make adjustments that keep Virginians safe,” Jones said. He continued, “While the Trump administration continues to try to convince us that up is down and down is up, we cannot allow them to dismiss decades of evidence gathered by the scientific community and ignore the very real harm to our health and welfare created by greenhouse gases.”
Jones also said, “Regulating human-made greenhouse gas emissions is one way we can ensure that our water quality, the cleanup progress made in protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and our futures are protected. We cannot allow Donald Trump to continue to ignore scientific fact at the expense of our lives and our futures. My office will continue to use every legal tool available to protect the health and safety of our communities.”
The EPA’s original 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on years of scientific analysis following a Supreme Court decision authorizing regulation under the Clean Air Act. Since then, federal standards have reduced motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions significantly. However, according to Jones’ office, recent actions by EPA disregard established law and science while eliminating existing emission standards.
Some areas in Virginia such as Fairfax and Hampton Roads experience higher levels of particulate matter due to increased traffic volume. Reports indicate power plant emissions rose over 20% after Virginia’s temporary withdrawal from regional initiatives addressing these issues.
This lawsuit follows earlier efforts where attorneys general submitted comment letters opposing EPA’s proposal due to concerns about legal precedent, public health risks for vulnerable populations, regulatory disruption, and potential harm for residents as well as industries.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement along with victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel for state agencies while promoting public safety as detailed online, serves all citizens across Virginia according to official information, addresses human trafficking through advocacy as noted online, offers consumer protection resources according to its website, and Miyares currently holds this position as Virginia’s 48th Attorney General as reported officially.
