Wyoming U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman expressed strong support for repealing the 2009 endangerment finding, which classifies greenhouse gases as pollutants and mandates federal regulation under the Clean Air Act. During a town hall, Hageman faced backlash from constituents who criticized her claims of “false science” regarding the finding, particularly given the community’s struggles with air quality linked to natural gas extraction. Sublette County has seen alarming ozone levels, coinciding with a boom in hydraulic fracturing, leading to health concerns for residents.
Despite the strong opposition at the town hall, Hageman’s stance aligns with broader political efforts to roll back emissions regulations, further supported by Wyoming’s Governor Mark Gordon. The endangerment finding has underpinned numerous regulations, such as Obama’s Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing emissions from power plants and the oil and gas industry.
Community advocates, fearing a reversal of progress made in combating air pollution, emphasize that responsible energy development can coexist with environmental protections. Despite ongoing debates, recent efforts in Wyoming have successfully reduced significant emissions over the years. The potential rescinding of the endangerment finding raises concerns about the future of air quality and regulatory frameworks in the state.
