MassDEP and DPH Statement on Trump Administration Climate Finding Rollback
Summary
The Massachusetts Departments of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Public Health (DPH) issued a joint statement criticizing the Trump Administration's decision to eliminate the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases. The agencies argue this rollback dismantles a key tool for public health protection and will disrupt progress in addressing climate change and improving air quality in Massachusetts.
What changed
The Massachusetts Departments of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Public Health (DPH) have released a joint statement condemning the Trump Administration's decision to eliminate the endangerment finding, which previously established that greenhouse gases are harmful to public health and the environment. The statement emphasizes that this action dismantles a critical tool for protecting public health and will negatively impact the state's efforts to combat climate change, improve air quality, and mitigate the effects of extreme weather. The agencies highlight that vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children, and individuals with asthma, will disproportionately suffer from increased pollution.
While this is a statement and not a regulatory action directly imposing new obligations, it signals the state's commitment to maintaining and advancing its own environmental and public health protections. Compliance officers should note the strong stance taken by these state agencies, which may indicate future state-level initiatives or legal challenges aimed at preserving or reinstating such environmental protections. The statement underscores the importance of adhering to existing state environmental regulations and preparing for potential policy shifts or advocacy efforts related to climate change and public health.
What to do next
- Review state-level environmental and public health regulations in Massachusetts.
- Monitor potential state legislative or regulatory actions related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Assess the impact of federal environmental policy changes on state-specific compliance strategies.
Source document (simplified)
- This page, MassDEP and DPH Joint Statement on the Trump Administration's Decision to Eliminate the Endangerment Finding, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- show more
- Department of Public Health
- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Press Statement
Press Statement MassDEP and DPH Joint Statement on the Trump Administration's Decision to Eliminate the Endangerment Finding
2/12/2026
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- Department of Public Health
- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Media Contact
Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications
Phone
Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218
Online
Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) release the following joint statement responding to the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate the endangerment finding — the rule that says greenhouse gases are harmful to public health and the environment:
“By rolling back the endangerment finding, the Trump Administration is dismantling one of the most important tools we have to protect public health. We cannot ignore the simple fact that vehicle pollution is bad for people, bad for our environment and bad for our economy. Massachusetts communities are grappling with devastating floods, our farms are struggling with unpredictable weather, and our cities are burdened by scorching hot summers. Massachusetts has strong environmental protections, and we have made significant progress in improving our air quality. The Trump Administration’s decision will disrupt and challenge our progress to address climate change and protect our communities. Seniors, children, and those with asthma will bear the brunt of increased pollution. Here in Massachusetts, we remain committed to reducing asthma and improving air quality across the state. We will continue to follow science, fight for cleaner air, and make sure all Massachusetts residents are safe and healthy.”
Bonnie Heiple, Commissioner of Environmental Protection
Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of Public Health
Media Contact
Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications
+
Phone
Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218
Online
Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations
+
Phone
Call Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at 617-624-5006
Online
Email Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at katheleen.m.conti@mass.gov
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Department of Public Health
DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong.
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
EEA seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s environmental resources while ensuring a clean energy future for the state’s residents. Through the stewardship of open space, protection of environmental resources, and enhancement of clean energy, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
Media Contact
Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications
Phone
Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218
Online
Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
Help Us Improve Mass.gov with your feedback
Did you find what you were looking for on this webpage? Yes No If you have any suggestions for the website, please let us know. How can we improve the page? Please do not include personal or contact information. You will not get a response The feedback will only be used for improving the website. If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page. Please limit your input to 500 characters.
Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. You will NOT get a response. If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. You will NOT get a response. If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page. Thank you for your website feedback! We will use this information to improve this page.
If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page.
If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site.
Related changes
Source
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get Environmental Regulation alerts
Weekly digest. AI-summarized, no noise.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when MA MassDEP News publishes new changes.