Consortium Statement on the Repeal of the Endangerment Finding

February 12, 2026

Contact: Savannah Martincic, Manager of Communication, The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health smartincic@ms2ch.org

Today, the Trump administration announced the repeal of the endangerment finding, the legal basis on which the Environmental Protection Agency is able to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and climate pollution.

Below is a statement from Lisa Patel, MD, executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. The Consortium brings together medical societies to protect all people from the devastating health impacts of environmental harm and climate-related threats.

“The decision to repeal the Endangerment Finding is by no means the first attack on the health of the American people and the environment, but it is among the worst we’ve seen. This decision prioritizes the profits of big oil and gas companies and polluters over clean air and water, the health of kids and all people, and the progress we’ve made to respond to climate change.

“The Administration says they want to make Americans healthy, but they are systematically dismantling the tools our government has to protect our health and our communities from pollution and the threats and extreme weather that is supercharged by climate change.

“Evidence shows us that clean air saves lives and that pollution drives healthcare costs. The administration is doing a one-two punch: They’re driving up the cost of health insurance and then taking away some of the most powerful tools we have to help keep people healthy.

“By focusing solely on the interests of industry and the wealthy, they’re ignoring the needs of Americans who are struggling to stay healthy and afford the basics. When the health of Americans isn’t part of the equation, we end up a sicker and weaker country.

“As a result of this repeal, I’m going to see more sick kids come into the Emergency Department having asthma attacks and more babies born prematurely. My colleagues will see more heart attacks and cancer in their patients. These health harms are felt by all of us, but they are disproportionately experienced by communities of color, low-income populations, outdoor workers, pregnant people, those with chronic illnesses, and children.”

Statements from members of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health:

American Academy of Pediatrics

“As pediatricians, we know that children are uniquely vulnerable to hazardous air pollution since their lungs are still developing and growing,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP. “Repealing the endangerment finding puts at risk needed progress to support children’s lifelong health, leaving them susceptible to chronic illnesses, like asthma. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urges the Environmental Protection Agency to restore the endangerment finding and take steps to ensure all children can breathe clean air, no matter their ZIP code.”

American College of Physicians

“The American College of Physicians is disappointed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to repeal the Endangerment Finding,” said Jason M. Goldman, MD, MACP, president of the American College of Physicians. “The overwhelming scientific evidence tells us that air pollutants, like greenhouse gas emissions, are harming the health of the American public. ACP urges the federal government to continue to work to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate the harm they cause to the health of our patients.” 

Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments 

“Rescinding the Endangerment Finding is not only dangerous — it’s an attack on science and on the health of the American people,” said Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Executive Director of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. “The threat of climate change is undeniable. Without strong climate action, nurses will continue to see an accelerating climate crisis, which will worsen extreme heat days and emergency visits for heat illness and increase extreme weather events, such as floods and wildfires – increasing threats to our clinics, hospitals, and communities. This decision undercuts the Clean Air Act’s requirement that EPA protect people from air pollution and threatens the health of people across the country.”

National League of Nursing

“The National League for Nursing is committed to ensuring that our nursing workforce is educated and clinically prepared to address climate-related health issues,” said NLN President and CEO Dr. Beverly Malone. “We strongly urge the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider and withdraw its proposal to overturn its long-standing ‘endangerment finding’ on greenhouse gases and instead strengthen policy that protects our patients from the devastating health effects of air pollution.”