A coalition of public health and environmental organizations filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, contesting the agency’s recent decision to repeal a key scientific finding. This finding has historically served as the foundation for U.S. regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

The lawsuit, initiated on Wednesday, directly challenges the EPA’s move to dismantle the 2009 endangerment finding. This finding, established under the Obama administration, determined that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and the environment, thereby justifying federal regulations to limit their emissions from vehicles and other sources. The finding has been a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy for over a decade.

The EPA, under the current administration, argued that the endangerment finding was based on flawed science and that it unduly restricted economic growth. The agency’s repeal, finalized earlier this year, has been widely criticized by scientists and environmental advocates who contend that it undermines efforts to address the escalating climate crisis. The lawsuit asserts that the EPA’s actions violate the Clean Air Act and are arbitrary and capricious.

The coalition of plaintiffs includes prominent health organizations, such as the American Lung Association, and environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council. They argue that the repeal disregards overwhelming scientific evidence and poses significant risks to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the endangerment finding and compel the EPA to justify its decision with sound scientific reasoning. The outcome of this legal challenge could significantly impact the future of U.S. climate policy and the nation’s ability to meet its climate goals.