AG James Leads Coalition Against Trump’s Climate Rollback

New York – In a bold move against the Trump administration’s environmental policies, New York Attorney General Letitia James has co-led a coalition of 40 states, counties, and cities in filing a petition to overturn the repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2009 endangerment finding.

Attorney General James issued a stern statement, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. ‘Communities across our country are already suffering from climate disasters,’ she said. ‘Instead of helping Americans face our new reality, the Trump administration has chosen denial, repealing critical protections foundational to the federal government’s response to climate change.’

The endangerment finding, rescinded in late February 2026, established that greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change and pose a threat to public health and welfare. The administration’s decision also repealed all federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles.

Despite previous objections from the coalition, the EPA proceeded with the rollback. Now, Attorney General James and her allies are asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reinstate the endangerment finding and vacate the administration’s rescission.

Joining James in this legal challenge are the attorneys general of Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands. The coalition also includes numerous cities and counties.

This lawsuit represents a significant legal battle against the rollback of climate change regulations and underscores the commitment of state leaders to protect public health and environmental integrity.

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