Anchorage, AK — September 22, 2025 — In a disturbing break from the scientific community, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to roll back the Endangerment Finding and vehicle emissions standards earlier this year. In response, The Alaska Center submitted comments to the agency, urging EPA Administrator Zeldin to uphold carbon pollution standards.

The EPA’s announcement runs in stark contrast to its mission to uphold human health and protect the environment. The Endangerment Finding is the bedrock of protections like the Clean Air Act, which has prevented numerous premature deaths and cases of illness since its inception. Without support for clean air regulations, Alaskans are put at serious risk. 

Parts of Alaska already contend with poor air quality due to several geographic factors that prevent air from circulating and trap greenhouse gas emissions in place. While communities across the state have been fighting to reduce these pollutants for years, the EPA’s actions will undo years of progress aimed at improving air quality. 

In the organization’s comment to the EPA, The Alaska Center warns that greenhouse gas emissions have a serious impact on the speed and severity of climate change in Alaska. Without intervention, fire season in Alaska is likely to grow in both length and severity, putting strain on the state’s already lean budget. 

“We all deserve to breathe clean air,” said Jenny Hyde, Federal Infrastructure Coordinator for The Alaska Center. “We urge the EPA to act in the best interest of our communities and put people first.”

You can read The Alaska Center’s comment here:

The Alaska Center-Endangerment Finding Comments 2025

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Media contacts

Carissa Larson – The Alaska Center

907-615-1456, carissa@akcenter.org

Jenny Hyde – The Alaska Center

508-930-6696, jennifer@akcenter.org