December 8, 2025 By Charlie Inglis, Hingham Resident and Green Living Contributor for the Hingham Anchor
On July 30, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding. What does this mean for Hingham and the rest of the country? It means dirtier air, rising sea levels, and more severe weather events, among other hazards.
The Endangerment Finding is an article under the Clean Air Act that states that Greenhouse Gasses (GGs) are harmful to humans, and serves as the legal basis for emissions regulations. The Endangerment Finding was the result of a 2008 Supreme Court case, Massachusetts vs. EPA. In this case, Massachusetts banded together with other states to argue that GGs are harmful to humans, while the EPA refused to acknowledge them as such. However, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the individual states, and thus the EPA created the Endangerment Finding.
This act has been challenged multiple times since 2009, but the courts have always ruled in favor of upholding the act. However, now the challenge is coming directly from the EPA itself. The repercussions of the rescission, if it were to happen, would be disastrous. It would repeal all restrictions on auto-makers, allowing their products to consume and emit as much carbon as they like. The popular term describing such vehicles is “gas guzzlers”, and these would likely become rampant. Compounding the problem, there would be less incentive for automakers to produce hybrid and electric vehicles. The U.S. is already second in the world for carbon dioxide emissions, with 16% coming from automobiles. This number will skyrocket, boosting the United States’s total emissions with it.
This proposal is unacceptable, and it must not be passed. Earlier this summer, I testified before the EPA as part of its public comment period. While this period is over, there are other ways you can voice your disapproval of the rescission of the Endangerment Finding. You can educate people about it, and spread the word via social media and other outlets. Try to do your part to limit air pollution by driving your car less. While I recognize that this is difficult in today’s busy world, try to ride a bike or walk to as many places as you can. You can also voice your opinions to the people who have direct control over this situation! Email the EPA, or our Massachusetts legislative officials.
I will keep Anchor readers informed as this situation develops. In the meantime, let’s try to do our part here in Hingham to lower our contribution to air pollution!
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