Daily Recap: Retracing Steps on Pollution, Anticipating Meteor Shower, and Introducing the World's First Passenger Jet
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to rescind the 2009 scientific Endangerment Finding that declared human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as a threat to public health and welfare. The proposal, announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on July 30, 2025, is based on updated scientific data that challenge the assumptions underlying the original finding.
The 2009 Endangerment Finding identified six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons, as pollutants that endanger current and future public health and welfare due to their role in climate change. If the proposal is approved, it would nullify the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, potentially leading to the repeal of associated regulations.
The EPA's proposal argues that the 2009 decision was based on climate models that overestimated warming trends and neglected natural climate variability factors such as solar activity. It also notes empirical data that question links between greenhouse gas concentrations and increased frequency or intensity of extreme weather events, and it highlights potential benefits of moderate warming and elevated CO2 levels for agriculture and human health.
The agency is initiating a public comment period to solicit input on this proposed rescission, and further details are available through the EPA's website and the Federal Register.
Meanwhile, sky-gazers are encouraged to check out tips on how to watch the upcoming meteor showers, as two meteor showers will reach their peak, and another is ramping up, providing a good chance to see fireballs streaking across the night sky this week.
Elsewhere, the NYPD is sending teams to Las Vegas to search for the motive in the office tower shooting. In a heartwarming story, Ukrainian swimmer Vladyslav Bukhov, who fled his hometown during Russia's invasion in 2014 and the 2022 attack, is trying to become a world champion again.
Lastly, don't forget to sign up for the '5 Things' newsletter to stay updated on the latest news and trends.
[1] EPA Proposed Rule: Revocation of the Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases and Emissions Standards for New Motor Vehicles (https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-15673) [2] EPA Fact Sheet: Proposed Revocation of the Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases and Emissions Standards for New Motor Vehicles (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-revoke-2009-endangerment-finding-greenhouse-gases-and-emissions-standards) [3] Department of Energy Climate Work Group Study (https://www.energy.gov/eere/climate/climate-work-group-report) [4] National Academy of Sciences Report on Climate Change (https://www.nap.edu/read/25347/)
US citizens can provide their insights on the Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to revoke the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which reported human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as a threat to public health and welfare. This proposal focuses on revising the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles, primarily influenced by updates in science and challenges to the original findings' assumptions.
Meanwhile, along with this general-news story, science enthusiasts are encouraged to learn more about upcoming meteor showers in the entertainment section of their preferred news outlets. The breathtaking spectacle is set to provide a captivating display of fireballs streaking across the night sky this week.
