SCIENTISTS’ FRESH REPORTS SHOW WE NEED URGENT CO2 REDUCTIONS TO AVOID WORST IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING. THE U.S. LED THE WORLD WITH CO2 INCREASES LAST YEAR, ACCOUNTING FOR A THIRD OF GLOBAL INCREASE IN 2025.
On September 14, we received deeply discouraging news: the EPA formalized its intention to roll back carbon pollution rules for existing coal plants and any future gas plants. These rules, put in place under the Biden administration, were designed to regulate the power industry and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions driving our nation’s contribution to global warming. Despite the federal rollbacks, Groundwork’s commitment to advancing the clean energy transition and reducing carbon emissions has not changed.
Speaking from Houston, Texas, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal with the stated aim of unleashing the “full potential of America’s vast energy resources, including coal and natural gas.” The EPA further proposed rescinding all remaining greenhouse gas emissions requirements for power plants, claiming that the Clean Air Act “does not give the agency the authority to regulate power plant emissions based on climate change.”
There is an irony in choosing Texas as the backdrop for this announcement. The timing coincided with the G20 Regulatory Efficiency Symposium, and Texas has long been associated with the oil boom, but the state has emerged as the national leader on solar and wind infrastructure. Texas surpassed California for the national lead in utility-scale solar power generation, gained the national lead in battery storage, and, in August, led the country in new solar and battery capacity. These shifting industry dynamics illustrate just how much potential clean energy holds for our economy, yet the federal government continues to promote opening the flood gates on fossil fuel and carbon pollution.
The EPA’s attacks on strong and necessary pollution standards put Americans’ health on the line, further benefit the oil industry, and deepen the climate crisis. Carbon pollution from power plants is the second-largest source of climate pollution in the U.S., and scientists overwhelmingly agree that carbon pollution is fueling the climate crisis. In a recent report from the United Nations, it was acknowledged that we have lost our chance to prevent some of the worst impacts of global warming. Without a change in course, the Earth will soon exceed the safe temperature threshold agreed upon by world leaders under the Paris Climate Accord, driven by the continued burning of coal, oil, and gas. In turn, more people will get sick, food production will drop, extreme weather will increase, and economies will suffer.
Two clear solutions can help reduce the harms ahead: an immediate transition to clean energy sources and stronger pollution abatement. While the EPA has chosen to protect fossil fuel interests at the expense of Americans’ health, safety, and future, we remain committed to a more proactive, sustainable path forward. At Groundwork, we will continue to demonstrate that solar and battery storage create a more resilient energy grid. We will continue to support local leaders advancing clean, affordable energy, and we will continue to stand for strong pollution standards.
We believe our energy systems should be guided by science, not favoritism, if we are to preserve our way of life for future generations. Climate change has become a runaway train, and reining it in has never been more urgent. As we approach the midterms, we urge you to prioritize polluter accountability, clean air, and climate action.
Thank you for all you do to speed the clean energy transition. 
Zoë Zeerip, Groundwork Clean Energy Specialist
zoe.zeerip@groundworkcenter.org
