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Climate change

Texas Congressmembers Oppose EPA Proposal to Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Regulations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to roll back regulations to address climate change and protect public health, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) has led most Texas Democratic Congressmembers in opposing EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's proposal to eliminate any federal ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This move is particularly concerning for Texans, who are already suffering from the devastating impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising heat-related deaths, and tick- and mosquito-borne tropical diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed EPA regulation would eliminate the ability to regulate six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, which are harmful to public health and welfare.
  • In 2023, Texas experienced its highest number of heat-related deaths on record, breaking state records consecutively from 2020 to 2023.
  • The proposal to undo standards backed by decades of scientific evidence is a giveaway to the nation's biggest polluters.
  • Regulating greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to protect human health and the environment.
  • Texans are still able to voice their concerns about the proposal through filing a comment on the EPA website by September 22.

Statistics:

  • A total of 137 people lost their lives in Central Texas floods in July 2023, which were exacerbated by climate change.
  • Half of residential flooding attributed to Hurricane Harvey was due to climate change.
  • There were 552 heat-related deaths in Texas in 2023, breaking the state record for the fourth consecutive year.
  • Decades of scientific evidence support the need to regulate greenhouse gas emissions to protect public health.
  • The proposed EPA regulation would force American families to pay more for healthcare due to increased pollutants.

Sources:

  • "Press Release: Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Environmental Advocates Push Back Against Science Denialism." Office of Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett, no date provided.
  • [no external web link provided]
  • "Congressional Letter: Texas Democratic Congressmembers Oppose EPA Proposal to Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Regulations." Office of U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, no date provided.
  • No external web link provided

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