Latest news with #Finding
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Sky News AU
EPA chief Lee Zeldin to repeal ‘holy grail' Obama-era emissions finding that hiked energy costs for years
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is moving to repeal an Obama-era emissions finding he once dubbed the 'holy grail of the climate change religion' that underpinned $1 trillion in regulations — leading to higher energy costs for more than a decade. Zeldin revealed plans to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding during a speech at an Indianapolis auto dealership on Tuesday, promising to 'end sixteen years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers' with 'the largest deregulatory announcement in US history.' 'In our work so far, many stakeholders have told me that the Obama and Biden EPAs twisted the law, ignored precedent, and warped science to achieve their preferred ends and stick American families with hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden taxes every single year,' said the former Long Island congressman. 'We heard loud and clear the concern that EPA's GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions standards themselves, not carbon dioxide — which the Finding never assessed independently — was the real threat to Americans' livelihoods,' Zeldin went on. 'If finalized, rescinding the Endangerment Finding and resulting regulations would end $1 trillion or more in hidden taxes on American businesses and families.' The EPA has projected that rescinding the finding could save American consumers alone up to $54 billion in annual costs. Under Obama, the EPA determined that carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride emissions, primarily from cars, were threatening to the 'public health and welfare of current and future generations.' No immediate regulations were imposed but the finding allowed the 44th president's administration to put forward seven subsequent rules affecting the auto industry, as well as others touching on energy issues. Zeldin's proposal would scrap the finding that allowed both Obama's and former President Joe Biden's EPA to regulate emissions by vehicles that are light-, medium- and heavy-duty as well as those with heavy-duty engines under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. The rules began taking effect for light-duty vehicles — including cars, vans, SUVs and pickup trucks — in 2010 but later ramped up to cover all models. Biden used it to justify his push for mass production of electric vehicles during his administration. 'This electric-truck mandate put the trucking industry on a path to economic ruin and would have crippled our supply chain, disrupted deliveries, and raised prices for American families and businesses,' said American Trucking Association President Chris Spear, who joined Zeldin at the event alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Indiana GOP Gov. Mike Braun. 'Moreover, it kicked innovation to the curb by discarding available technologies that can further drive down emissions at a fraction of the cost.' Democrats in Congress panned the move, with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, telling Politico it amounted to 'a despicable betrayal of the American people.' 'President Trump and his EPA administrator are now pretending that climate pollution does not endanger human health or the environment — not because there is any scientific justification, but because it helps line the pockets of their billionaire corporate polluter friends,' Pallone said. The reversal comes as Zeldin is seeking to cut red tape for other energy-related issues. Several recent US Supreme Court cases have aided Trump's EPA leader in limiting the agency's regulatory authority — including scrapping emissions standards that controlled coal and gas power plants generating electricity. The White House Office of Management and Budget is also planning on addressing rescission of the Obama-era finding at other agencies. 'Since the Obama EPA illegally issued its unconstitutional endangerment finding in 2009, more than half of the US coal industry has been destroyed, electricity prices have soared, and the average price of cars has almost doubled,' said Steve Milloy, senior fellow at the Energy and Environment Legal Institute and an adviser to Trump's EPA transition team. 'Where do wrongly terminated coal miners, wrecked coal industry-dependent communities and ripped-off consumers go for redress of the injuries inflicted by a climate-hoaxed crazed federal government?' Originally published as EPA chief Lee Zeldin to repeal 'holy grail' Obama-era emissions finding that hiked energy costs for years
CBS News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Chicago expert raises alarm as U.S. EPA seeks to walk back greenhouse gas regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday announced it plans to walk back a declaration in the Clean Air Act that determined greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The U.S. EPA declined CBS News Chicago's request for an interview. But the Illinois EPA said it reviewing the proposal to rescind the declaration issued back in 2009 under President Barack Obama. Meanwhile, climate experts in Illinois and around the country are concerned about the ramifications. Lee Zeldin, President Trump's pick to head the U.S. EPA, announced Tuesday from an Indiana auto dealership that the agency wants to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding. "If finalized, today's announcement would amount to the largest deregulatory action in the history of the United States," Zeldin said, "a proposal to eliminate to the endangerment finding, to eliminate greenhouse gas standards — all the regulations that came out, including the electric vehicle mandates, all of the greenhouse gas standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty." The 2009 finding that Zeldin is proposing eliminating determined that six specific greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) — endangered public health and welfare. The finding set the platform for actions to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. "it's the fundamental linchpin of the Clean Air Act," said Howard Learner, chief executive officer and executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center. Learner called the U.S. EPA proposal a denial of both climate change and "fact-based determinations" about greenhouse gases. "Climate change is real. It's happening," he said. "That can't be denied as a basis of scientific fact." Learner said the impact in the Chicago area and elsewhere in Illinois would be dirtier air and more contributions to climate change. "It's showing up in our weather. It's showing up in health risks. It's showing up in the Great Lakes. It's showing up in ways that change our lives here in Chicago and across Illinois," Learner said. In a news release, the U.S. EPA said the 2009 finding paved the way for electric vehicle mandates, and led to "significant uncertainties and massive costs" for the American people and automakers related to "general regulations of greenhouse gases from vehicles and trucks." The proposal, according to the EPA release, would remove all greenhouse gas standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty engines, starting with the EPA's first greenhouse gas regulations set under the order in 2010, and including "off-cycle credits like the much-hated start-stop feature on most new cars." CBS News Chicago asked if Zeldin's proposal could also eliminate vehicle emissions tests in Illinois. The Illinois EPA said it is too early to say, while Learner said this is the time the state can make a difference. "We're going to be looking for Illinois to step up to make sure people here have healthier, clean air," said Learner. The news release said if finalized, the proposal is expected to save Americans $54 billion in costs through the repeal of all greenhouse gas standards — including the Biden EPA's electric vehicle mandate. "If Congress wants to amend Section 202 of the Clean Air Act and tell us that they want us to be regulating the heck out of carbon dioxide, methane, and these other greenhouse gases, then we will follow the law," said Zeldin. The U.S. EPA proposal is not a done deal yet. "We'll go through a public comment period," Zeldin said. "We'll see what the American public has to say about everything that we put out right now — on all of this." The public comment period on this starts now and will last 45 days. Meanwhile, environmental groups are expected to take the U.S. EPA to court to challenge the rule.
New York Post
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- New York Post
EPA chief Lee Zeldin to repeal ‘holy grail' Obama-era emissions finding that hiked energy costs for years
WASHINGTON — Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is moving to repeal an Obama-era emissions finding he once dubbed the 'holy grail of the climate change religion' that underpinned $1 trillion in regulations — leading to higher energy costs for more than a decade. Zeldin revealed plans to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding during a speech at an Indianapolis auto dealership on Tuesday, promising to 'end sixteen years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers' with 'the largest deregulatory announcement in US history.' 'In our work so far, many stakeholders have told me that the Obama and Biden EPAs twisted the law, ignored precedent, and warped science to achieve their preferred ends and stick American families with hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden taxes every single year,' said the former Long Island congressman. Advertisement 5 'With this proposal, the Trump EPA is proposing to end sixteen years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers,' EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said. REUTERS 'We heard loud and clear the concern that EPA's GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions standards themselves, not carbon dioxide — which the Finding never assessed independently — was the real threat to Americans' livelihoods,' Zeldin went on. 'If finalized, rescinding the Endangerment Finding and resulting regulations would end $1 trillion or more in hidden taxes on American businesses and families.' The EPA has projected that rescinding the finding could save American consumers alone up to $54 billion in annual costs. Advertisement Under Obama, the EPA determined that carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride emissions, primarily from cars, were threatening to the 'public health and welfare of current and future generations.' No immediate regulations were imposed but the finding allowed the 44th president's administration to put forward seven subsequent rules affecting the auto industry, as well as others touching on energy issues. Zeldin's proposal would scrap the finding that allowed both Obama's and former President Joe Biden's EPA to regulate emissions by vehicles that are light-, medium- and heavy-duty as well as those with heavy-duty engines under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. 5 Zeldin revealed plans to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding by former President Barack Obama's EPA during a speech at an Indianapolis auto dealership on Tuesday. Getty Images Advertisement The rules began taking effect for light-duty vehicles — including cars, vans, SUVs and pickup trucks — in 2010 but later ramped up to cover all models. Biden used it to justify his push for mass production of electric vehicles during his administration. 'This electric-truck mandate put the trucking industry on a path to economic ruin and would have crippled our supply chain, disrupted deliveries, and raised prices for American families and businesses,' said American Trucking Association President Chris Spear, who joined Zeldin at the event alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Indiana GOP Gov. Mike Braun. 'Moreover, it kicked innovation to the curb by discarding available technologies that can further drive down emissions at a fraction of the cost.' 5 Under Obama, the EPA determined carbon dioxide as well as methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride emissions, primarily from cars, were threatening to public health. Tricky Shark – Advertisement Democrats in Congress panned the move, with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, telling Politico it amounted to 'a despicable betrayal of the American people.' 'President Trump and his EPA administrator are now pretending that climate pollution does not endanger human health or the environment — not because there is any scientific justification, but because it helps line the pockets of their billionaire corporate polluter friends,' Pallone said. The reversal comes as Zeldin is seeking to cut red tape for other energy-related issues. 5 The reversal comes as Zeldin is seeking to cut red tape for other energy-related issues. Getty Images 5 US Supreme Court cases have aided Trump's EPA leader in limiting the agency's regulatory authority — including emissions standards that controlled coal and gas power plants generating electricity. AFP via Getty Images Several recent US Supreme Court cases have aided Trump's EPA leader in limiting the agency's regulatory authority — including scrapping emissions standards that controlled coal and gas power plants generating electricity. The White House Office of Management and Budget is also planning on addressing rescission of the Obama-era finding at other agencies. Advertisement 'Since the Obama EPA illegally issued its unconstitutional endangerment finding in 2009, more than half of the US coal industry has been destroyed, electricity prices have soared, and the average price of cars has almost doubled,' said Steve Milloy, senior fellow at the Energy and Environment Legal Institute and an adviser to Trump's EPA transition team. 'Where do wrongly terminated coal miners, wrecked coal industry-dependent communities and ripped-off consumers go for redress of the injuries inflicted by a climate-hoaxed crazed federal government?'
Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Herald Malaysia
‘Finding Hope in the Mother of God' at the Carmelite Chapel
In conjunction with the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Titular solemnity of the Kuching Carmelite Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a special programme entitled 'Finding Hope in the Mother of God' was held on 28 June 2025 (Saturday) in the Carmelite Chapel from 7.30pm –9pm. Jul 28, 2025 By the Kuching Carmelite Monastry In conjunction with the Jubilee Year of Hope and the Titular solemnity of the Kuching Carmelite Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a special programme entitled 'Finding Hope in the Mother of God' was held on 28 June 2025 (Saturday) in the Carmelite Chapel from 7.30pm –9pm. It was a candlelight evening of prayers, songs and reflections that resembled the Taize style of meditation, except that the focus was on Mary's immaculate example of her standing at the foot of the cross through the darkest moments of her life. The reflections were to lead the faithful to admire Mary greatly, and to enkindle the desire to imitate her example in our own dark moments of life, besides inspiring confidence that she is an unfailing mother who pleads for us and is always near to us in all our trials. The evening included four new songs inspired by the Holy Spirit which were interspersed with the reflection to help the faithful be immersed in Mary's journey of suffering and hope. The songs were soulfully expressed by an ensemble of violinist, pianist and cellist and a few singers to provide meditative and deeply moving music to help the faithful to encounter Jesus and Mary. The evening concluded with an invitation to remain in quiet prayer at the foot of the Cross. The Carmelite nuns would like to take this opportunity to send their deepest appreciation to each and every volunteer who made this evening possible through their dedicated service of love for Our Most Blessed Mother!--Today's Catholic
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Where's Jho Low? Looking for 1MDB fugitive in Shanghai's luxury estate
On July 19, investigative duo in a live stream titled Finding Jho Low, claimed that Low lives in Green Hills, an upscale residential compound in Shanghai. SHANGHAI — Across the Huangpu River in Pudong, behind high fences and dense greenery, lies a sprawling enclave with over 400 Tudor-style bungalows, manicured gardens and tree-lined roads dotted with Teslas, Jaguars and other luxury cars. This exclusive gated compound, which more closely resembles the quaint English countryside than a Chinese megacity, is where Malaysian financial fugitive Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, is allegedly living, according to the journalists who first exposed the 1MDB scandal. On July 19, investigative duo Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, in a live stream titled Finding Jho Low, claimed that Low lives in Green Hills, an upscale residential compound in Shanghai. They also alleged that Low is using a forged Australian passport under the Greek alias 'Constantinos Achilles Veis' to travel freely within China, citing evidence from unnamed sources and newly obtained documents. Mr Hope and Mr Wright are former journalists at The Wall Street Journal who played key roles in uncovering the multi-billion-dollar fraud that resulted in the imprisonment of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak for corruption and money laundering. Low's whereabouts have remained a mystery since he disappeared in 2016, fuelling years of speculation. When The Straits Times visited the Green Hills compound over two days, residents spoke of a quiet residential estate where neighbours rarely cross paths or interact due to the sprawling grounds. Three residents told ST that they have heard of celebrities and 'famous businessmen' who live in the estate but all said they did not know who and did not care to find out. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Almost half of planned 30,000 flats in Tengah to be completed by end-2025: Chee Hong Tat Asia Cambodia calls for ceasefire with Thailand after deadly clashes Asia Behind deadly Thai-Cambodian clashes, a bitter spat between two dynastic leaders Multimedia Lights dimmed at South-east Asia's scam hub but 'pig butchering' continues Singapore Black belt in taekwondo, grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements Life SG60 F&B icons: Honouring 14 heritage brands that have never lost their charm Business How parents can prevent disputes over their properties Business Banking and finance jobs will change but won't disappear as AI becomes the new normal: Accenture A resident, whose house is located right by the estate's side gate, told ST that he barely recognises anyone who lives in the compound, including his next-door neighbour, as their houses are separated by large gardens. 'The only time I ever went through the whole estate was when I first moved here five years ago to check out the surroundings; now I just enter the gate and go straight into my home,' he said. This reporter was unable to enter the estate as security guards at all three entrances required visitors to provide the house number they were visiting as well as the surname of the family living there. Built in 2004, the 410,000 sqm Green Hills compound is a residential enclave favoured by wealthy locals and expats, largely because there are two international schools – Dulwich and Concordia – in the vicinity. It is surrounded by other similarly luxurious landed home compounds and sits by a river where people occasionally kayak. Property agents who are actively marketing the homes for rent told ST that a key feature is the double-height ceiling living room, which allows for large gatherings. Marketing videos on Chinese social media platforms show that many of these three-storey homes are opulently appointed and typically have between four and eight bedrooms. Built in 2004, the 410,000 sqm Green Hills compound is a residential enclave favoured by wealthy locals and expats. ST PHOTO: MICHELLE NG Monthly rental for a standalone bungalow – the largest house type with up to 500 sqm of internal floor area – is between 70,000 yuan (S$12,500) and 100,000 yuan, agents said. The selling price for one of these is between 70 million yuan and 150 million yuan. Rental for a semi-detached house is around 40,000 yuan while that for a terrace house, referred to as a townhouse in China, is around 30,000 yuan. Outside Green Hills, a resident who was getting on a shared bicycle told ST that the bulk of the people who live there are families whose children attend the international schools, or are older Chinese who do not need to fret over money, like her parents. 'Basically every household here has at least two cars, one everyday car like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, and the other is more fancy… maybe a sports car,' she said, adding that she is 'not one of them' as she is living under her parents' roof. When asked if she had heard of Low's alleged residence in the compound, she said no. 'All kinds of people live around here, I don't really care who they are as long as my life is not disrupted.' Rumours that Low is living in China have swirled since at least 2019, when a photo purportedly showing him at Shanghai Disneyland on Christmas Eve emerged online. China has consistently denied sheltering him or having knowledge of his location. ST has contacted the Shanghai authorities for comments. Low, who has repeatedly claimed his innocence, has been wanted by multiple jurisdictions, including Malaysia, Singapore and the United States, since 2016 for his alleged role in siphoning an estimated US$4.5 billion (S$5.77 billion) from 1MDB, Malaysia's sovereign fund. Low is accused of pocketing US$1.42 billion from three bond transactions that Goldman Sachs arranged for 1MDB. On July 24, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the report about Low's location and the passport he allegedly is using is 'not supported by credible proof'. In response to the report, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement warning that passport fraud is a serious offence under Australian law. In 2023, Malaysia's anti-graft regulator told Qatari news network Al Jazeera in a written response that it suspected Low to be hiding in the Chinese special administrative region of Macau. Entrances to Green Hills, a sprawling gated residential enclave with over 400 Tudor-styled bungalows, manicured gardens and tree-lined roads in Shanghai. ST PHOTO: MICHELLE NG The scandal, described by the United States Justice Department as the largest case of kleptocracy it had ever investigated, first came to public attention in 2015 when reports emerged that nearly US$700 million was suspected to have been transferred from 1MDB into then-Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank account. US prosecutors claim that more than US$4.5 billion was ultimately embezzled from the fund by high-level officials of the fund and their associates, with the money laundered through a global network of shell companies and bank accounts. The stolen funds were allegedly used to finance Low's extravagant lifestyle spanning jewellery, fine art, luxury real estate, a superyacht, lavish parties and even the production of the Hollywood film The Wolf of Wall Street.
