The Environmental Protection Agency was started in 1970 by President Nixon, who recognized the negative effect human activities were having on the environment.

In 2009, an “endangerment finding” was issued by the EPA in response to a Supreme Court decision determining that greenhouse gases were a form of pollution covered by the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act had been adopted in 1970 to control air pollution and to protect human health and the environment. 

This endangerment finding resulted in government regulations meant to reduce greenhouse gases, such as by the promotion of electric cars and nonpolluting electricity production. 

These regulations are being attacked by the current administration for political purposes. The regulations cost people and businesses money. President Trump had named Lee Zeldin as administrator of the EPA. Mr. Zeldin has referred to those who express concern about danger of global warming as members of “the climate change religion.”

He has said that rescinding these regulations will “drive a dagger into the heart” of this “religion.” Zeldin has no formal scientific training; he is a lawyer and politician. 

To endanger the future of the Earth and our children’s health for short-term political gains is irresponsible. Although Trump may be correct when he labels global warming a “hoax,” I am confident that he is wrong, and global warming is real. As a physician, I have always adopted the “worst-case scenario.” Our government leaders should do this as well.

Daniel Wood
Woolwich