The Clean Air Act, a landmark piece of U.S. legislation, has quietly been protecting not just our lungs, but also our wallets for many years. Then, on July 29, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to rescind a crucial part of this protection: the 2009 Endangerment Finding. The finding, rooted in extensive science with robust public input, determined that climate pollution threatens the public health and welfare of Americans. Now, the very real benefits – including economic benefits – stemming from this finding are at risk. Understanding what is at stake is more important than ever.
Americans face new and rising costs due to climate change.
The impacts of climate change are already costing us. Climate-related disasters already saddle the U.S. with an estimated $150 billion (about $460 per person in the US) bill each year. Studies project that a person born in 2024 could face nearly $500,000 in climate-related costs over their lifetime if we fail to take action. Read More