Readers Debate EPA's Pollution Finding Repeal

Letters to the Editor discuss the benefits and risks of rescinding the 2009 'endangerment' finding

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Post published a collection of letters to the editor debating the EPA's decision to repeal its 2009 'endangerment' finding, which had determined that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare. Some readers praised the move as ending a 'climate hoax', while others warned it would hurt the auto industry and fail to address the reality of climate change. The letters also touched on Attorney General Pam Bondi's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.

Why it matters

The repeal of the EPA's 'endangerment' finding is a major policy shift that could have significant implications for environmental regulations, the auto industry, and efforts to address climate change. The debate reflects the ongoing political polarization around these issues.

The details

The letters discuss several key points related to the EPA's decision. Some readers, like Thomas De Julio, celebrate the repeal as the end of a 'climate hoax' and praise President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Others, like Frederick Hewett, argue the move will hurt the auto industry by failing to push it toward electrification. And some, like Sevi Avigdor, say the scientific evidence clearly shows the planet is warming and that climate change denial is misguided.

  • The EPA rescinded its 2009 'endangerment' finding in February 2026.

The players

Miranda Devine

A columnist who argued that burning more coal will make the world a better place.

Donald Trump

The former president who has long said that most everything about the 'environmental cause' is a scam.

Lee Zeldin

The current EPA Administrator who helped justify the repeal of the 'endangerment' finding.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who testified before the House Judiciary Committee, drawing criticism for her 'arrogant demeanor' and attempts to dodge questions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Finally the climate hoax is dead. Hopefully the architecture of snake oil salesman Al Gore will slither away. The only 'green' climate change was the color of money these climate zealots scammed from America and the world.”

— Thomas De Julio (New York Post)

“What's really troubling is that in failing to steer the auto industry toward electrification, while the rest of the civilized world make the strategic shift to electric vehicles, domestic automakers may be rotting away, churning out obsolete gasoline-powered cars and trucks the world outside the United States doesn't want.”

— Frederick Hewett (New York Post)

“All temperatures around the world show very clearly that our planet is warming at an accelerated pace. Devine should stop following the unscientific theory that this sad reality is a 'hoax.'”

— Sevi Avigdor (New York Post)

What’s next

The EPA's decision to repeal the 'endangerment' finding is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups and Democratic-led states.

The takeaway

The debate over the EPA's repeal of the 'endangerment' finding highlights the deep partisan divide over climate change and environmental policy in the United States. While some celebrate the move as ending a 'hoax', others warn it will harm the auto industry and fail to address the reality of global warming.