The Environmental Protection Agency proposed on July 29 to eliminate a 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to public health and the environment. This finding has served as the legal foundation for numerous regulatory measures aimed at combating climate change.The agency claims the rollback could save $54 million annually if finalized. However, local experts warn the move could have severe health implications.Shannon Baker, advocacy director for the American Lung Association, emphasized the significance of the 2009 finding.”It’s the foundation of EPA’s ability and responsibility to regulate climate pollutants like carbon dioxide and methane,” said Baker. The American Lung Association recently gave Louisville a failing grade for air quality in its 2025 report, citing pollution levels above federal standards. Baker warned that worse air quality could lead to hotter temperatures, more natural disasters, and negative health outcomes.”These climate-related disasters have direct and profound impacts on our respiratory health,” she said.Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, who leads the University of Louisville’s Envirome Institute, echoed these concerns. The institute’s projects, such as the downtown microforest and the Green Heart Project in south Louisville, aim to reduce the health risks of environmental pollution. “If chronic disease is the problem now more than infectious disease, how do we create a city that is geared up to prevent chronic disease? And we think greenness is part of that,” said Bhatnagar.Bhatnagar pointed out that continued exposure to unhealthy air is linked to heart disease, diabetes, dementia in older adults, and lower IQ in children. Even short-term exposure can be harmful.”We have very good evidence that whenever levels of air pollution spike, six hours after that, levels of heart attack spike as well,” he said.Dr. Julia Richerson, a pediatrician, highlighted the risks for children, particularly the 10% of Kentucky’s youth who suffer from asthma.”Children are not little adults. Their bodies are different, their behavior is different. The way that poor air quality affects them is different,” said Richerson.Bhatnagar noted that Louisville’s location in a valley exacerbates pollution issues, as contaminants often become trapped in the area. Communities near highways, factories, and power plants face even greater risks.While the EPA’s proposal may lead to cost savings, Baker argued that rolling back protections would be irresponsible.”That decision would disproportionately impact those who are the most vulnerable in our communities, including our children, older adults, and pregnant people,” she said.Bhatnagar concluded that while reducing pollution entirely may not be feasible, communities can take steps to mitigate its effects.”There’s nothing we can do about that. But what we can do as a community is to create resources that would, at least in part, mitigate the effects of the successive exposures,” he said.As the EPA’s proposal moves forward, Louisville’s experts and advocates are calling for continued focus on public health and environmental protections.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed on July 29 to eliminate a 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to public health and the environment. This finding has served as the legal foundation for numerous regulatory measures aimed at combating climate change.
The agency claims the rollback could save $54 million annually if finalized. However, local experts warn the move could have severe health implications.
Shannon Baker, advocacy director for the American Lung Association, emphasized the significance of the 2009 finding.
“It’s the foundation of EPA’s ability and responsibility to regulate climate pollutants like carbon dioxide and methane,” said Baker.
The American Lung Association recently gave Louisville a failing grade for air quality in its 2025 report, citing pollution levels above federal standards. Baker warned that worse air quality could lead to hotter temperatures, more natural disasters, and negative health outcomes.
“These climate-related disasters have direct and profound impacts on our respiratory health,” she said.
Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, who leads the University of Louisville’s Envirome Institute, echoed these concerns. The institute’s projects, such as the downtown microforest and the Green Heart Project in south Louisville, aim to reduce the health risks of environmental pollution.
“If chronic disease is the problem now more than infectious disease, how do we create a city that is geared up to prevent chronic disease? And we think greenness is part of that,” said Bhatnagar.
Bhatnagar pointed out that continued exposure to unhealthy air is linked to heart disease, diabetes, dementia in older adults, and lower IQ in children. Even short-term exposure can be harmful.
“We have very good evidence that whenever levels of air pollution spike, six hours after that, levels of heart attack spike as well,” he said.
Dr. Julia Richerson, a pediatrician, highlighted the risks for children, particularly the 10% of Kentucky’s youth who suffer from asthma.
“Children are not little adults. Their bodies are different, their behavior is different. The way that poor air quality affects them is different,” said Richerson.
Bhatnagar noted that Louisville’s location in a valley exacerbates pollution issues, as contaminants often become trapped in the area. Communities near highways, factories, and power plants face even greater risks.
While the EPA’s proposal may lead to cost savings, Baker argued that rolling back protections would be irresponsible.
“That decision would disproportionately impact those who are the most vulnerable in our communities, including our children, older adults, and pregnant people,” she said.
Bhatnagar concluded that while reducing pollution entirely may not be feasible, communities can take steps to mitigate its effects.
“There’s nothing we can do about that. But what we can do as a community is to create resources that would, at least in part, mitigate the effects of the successive exposures,” he said.
As the EPA’s proposal moves forward, Louisville’s experts and advocates are calling for continued focus on public health and environmental protections.
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