APA Services cites mental health harms in calling on EPA to withdraw proposal repealing vehicle emission standards

APA Services submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (PDF, 329KB)opens in new window strongly opposing a proposed rule that would repeal all greenhouse gas emission standardsopens in new window for new vehicles and rescind the 2009 finding that such emissions endanger public health and welfare. In the letter to Administrator Lee Zeldin, APA Services argued that the proposal is contradicted by an overwhelming body of scientific research and ignores the significant damage climate change inflicts on the mental health of Americans.

The comments highlight that the EPA’s proposal relies on a “closed process” that failed to include any consultation with climate experts at other federal agencies or the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). In fact, a recent NASEM reportopens in new window concluded that the EPA's original 2009 endangerment finding "was accurate, has stood the test of time, and is now reinforced by even stronger evidence."

APA Services detailed how climate change is harming Americans' mental health through multiple pathways by disrupting the conditions that support well-being. The letter points to extensive research showing that:

• Exposure to extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes is consistently linked to increased rates of PTSD and depression. Research suggests that trauma from these events can accumulate over time, as repeated exposure can worsen post-traumatic stress symptoms.
• Rising temperatures and extreme heat are associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for mental health disorders, as well as increased domestic violence and suicide. Heat stress also reduces cognitive performance by decreasing concentration and increasing error rates.
• Climate anxiety is a growing source of distress for millions, even those not directly impacted by a disaster. According to data from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communicationopens in new window, almost two-thirds of Americans report being worried about climate change. This is especially true for young people, with one study finding 58% of those aged 16-25 were “very or extremely worried” about it.

APA Services urged the EPA to withdraw its proposal to avoid increasing the risk of severe mental health consequences for current and future generations.

For more information, contact Corbin Evans and Scott Barstow.