Connecticut’s congressional delegation is asking federal regulators to maintain a cornerstone climate rule, warning that reversing it could leave businesses, municipalities and residents facing higher costs tied to extreme weather and poor air quality.
In a letter sent Tuesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and the rest of the state’s delegation urged Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin not to move forward with a proposal to repeal the agency’s 2009 “endangerment finding.” That rule determined greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to public health, giving EPA authority to regulate them under the Clean Air Act.
Lawmakers said withdrawing the finding would create uncertainty for Connecticut, where coastal flooding, infrastructure damage and worsening air quality already carry economic consequences. Insurers face rising storm-related claims, municipalities are investing in flood protections, and energy companies are navigating stricter state emissions standards.
They argued that changing course at the federal level could complicate investment decisions and shift more costs onto businesses and taxpayers.
The state has experienced 24 billion-dollar weather disasters over the past 15 years, according to the delegation.
The letter was signed by Blumenthal, Sen. Chris Murphy and U.S. Reps. John Larson, Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.
Read the full letter here.
