"Hearing on Extreme Weather Focuses on Trump's Climate Policies"
In a recent gathering in Pasadena, a "People's Hearing on Extreme Weather" was organised by the Climate Action Campaign and its member environmental activist groups. The event drew testimony from wildfire survivors, health officials, and community leaders, all voicing their concerns about the Trump administration's weakening of climate protection measures.
Dr. Alfred Glover, a podiatrist in Los Angeles, emphasised the mounting health impacts from climate change, stating that patients with cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses are "suffering with the consequences of climate." U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla contended that climate change is taking a toll on Los Angeles communities, with poor air quality and wildfire devastation. A recent study suggests wildfires in the area were more deadly than previously reported.
The central point of contention was the EPA's proposal to rescind the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. This proposal seeks to eliminate all GHG emission standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles, asserting that the EPA lacks authority under CAA Section 202(a) to regulate GHGs for climate change and challenging the scientific basis of the original finding.
Dr. Jerry Abraham, a hearing board member for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, questioned the lack of federal protection during these climate-related crises, expressing feelings of nation-lessness. Sam Stracich, another Eaton fire survivor, described climate disaster as not only abnormally intense and frequent fires but also the long and stressful aftermath. He warned that denying climate change puts more people's health, homes, and futures at risk.
Panelists criticised recent federal rollbacks, including cuts to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research. Barbara Gentile stated that the ocean "can't testify for itself," and it is our responsibility to speak for it. Marine biologist Barbara Gentile highlighted the negative effects of fires and extreme weather on ocean ecosystems, including toxic algae blooms and chemical pollution.
Reps. Judy Chu and Laura Friedman underscored the urgency of action, with Chu pointing to displacement, financial insecurity, illness, and deaths as consequences of climate change. Friedman called the recent EPA actions "part of this administration's attack on all science."
The gathering featured testimony from residents and community leaders, including survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires, who expressed concerns about the current administration making the situation worse. Pasadena resident Rosanna Valverde stated that disasters, such as the Eaton fire that damaged her home, are becoming constant and the current administration is not helping families prepare for them. Dennis Higgins, who lost his home in the Pacific Palisades, warned that homes rebuilt in the area would "burn again" if the Trump administration's plan to revisit federal findings from 2009 that declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health is implemented.
The current status is that the EPA formally proposed on July 29, 2025, to rescind the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. Public comments and hearings are ongoing as of early August 2025, with the EPA extending the comment period. This rollback faces significant opposition from environmental and scientific groups, as well as potential legal challenges.
References:
- https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/ghgemissions-under-clean-air-act
- https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/ghgemissions-under-clean-air-act#proposed-rule
- https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/ghgemissions-under-clean-air-act#scientific-basis
- https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/ghgemissions-under-clean-air-act#legal-challenges
- https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/ghgemissions-under-clean-air-act#public-input
- The Climate Action Campaign organized a "People's Hearing on Extreme Weather" in Pasadena, where wildfire survivors, health officials, and community leaders discussed their worries about the Trump administration's weakening of climate protection measures.
- Dr. Alfred Glover, a podiatrist in Los Angeles, spoke about the mounting health impacts from climate change, especially on patients with cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses.
- Senator Alex Padilla argued that climate change is negatively affecting Los Angeles communities, resulting in poor air quality and wildfire devastation.
- The EPA's proposal to rescind the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding was a main point of contention at the gathering. This proposal aims to eliminate all GHG emission standards for vehicles, questioning the EPA's authority under CAA Section 202(a) to regulate GHGs for climate change.
- Dr. Jerry Abraham, a hearing board member for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, expressed concern about the lack of federal protection during climate-related crises and the lack of nation-lessness he felt.6.Panelists criticized recent federal rollbacks, including cuts to NOAA research, with marine biologist Barbara Gentile stating that the ocean cannot testify for itself, and it is our responsibility to speak for it.
- Rosanna Valverde, a Pasadena resident, warned that disasters, such as the Eaton fire that damaged her home, are becoming constant and the current administration is not helping families prepare for them. Dennis Higgins, who lost his home in the Pacific Palisades, echoed this concern and warned that homes rebuilt in the area would "burn again" if the Trump administration's plan to revisit federal findings from 2009 that declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health is implemented.
