SWANA Expresses Concerns on EPA's Endangerment Finding Repeal

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the repeal of the 2009 science-based Endangerment Finding, which provides the legal basis for EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. This repeal will likely result in an increase in emissions, leading to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. SWANA is concerned about the potential widespread and long-lasting impacts of this policy change.  

For decades, the waste and resource sector has worked collaboratively with federal, state, and local governments along with partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, through investments inlandfill gas collection systems, organics recycling, waste diversion, embracing alternative fuel and battery-powered vehicles, and improved collections and operational efficiencies. These efforts have been driven by science, regulatory certainty, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. The repeal of the Endangerment Finding threatens this positive work.  

SWANA is concerned that changes to the federal regulatory framework may introduce uncertainty for state and local governments, system operators and owners, and the workforce that manages essential environmental services every day. Regulatory clarity and consistency are critical for long-term planning, investment in infrastructure, and continued innovation in emissions reduction technologies.  

The lack of federal oversight will likely lead to rising temperatures. SWANA prioritizes worker safety and health, with a special focus on heat safety. Continuously warmer temperatures will have adverse health and safety consequences on waste and resource management professionals who may spend long hours in outdoor environments or at work sites that are not climate-controlled.  

In addition, this policy shift is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of severe weather events and extreme temperatures. The waste and resource management sector serves an essential role in disaster recovery, collecting, clearing and disposing of debris as efficiently and safely as possible to help communities recover in the wake of a disaster.  

However, this work can take a toll on workers and facilities with safety risks and operational burdens. Changes in weather and increased natural disasters impact costs of insurance, repairs and rebuilding after incidents, health care, and rising electricity costs for heating and cooling.  

SWANA members are stewards of public health and the environment. The endangerment finding recognized that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, so its repeal threatens the well-being of people and the environment. 

Regardless of shifts in federal policy, SWANA remains committed to: 

• Protecting public health and the environment; 
• Advancing responsible waste and resource management practices;
• Supporting science-based decision-making; and
• Continuing efforts to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance across the solid waste sector. 

The waste and recycling sector continues to deliver proven, science based infrastructure solutions that reduce emissions, protect public health, and provide long-term operational certainty for communities and service providers. 

SWANA encourages continued engagement among policymakers, regulators, industry professionals, and communities to ensure that environmental protection goals are met in ways that are practical, effective, and grounded in sound science.  

We stand ready to work with EPA and other stakeholders to support policies that recognize the essential role of waste and resource management professionals in protecting both people and the environment.