Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Mar. 19 that he, along with a coalition of 24 states and 12 local governments, has filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to rescind its 2009 Endangerment Finding. This finding determined that greenhouse gas pollution from motor vehicles causes climate change and poses risks to public health and welfare.
The lawsuit addresses concerns about the potential rollback of federal vehicle emission standards, which were established following years of scientific analysis and a Supreme Court decision in Massachusetts v. EPA. These standards have contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Raoul said, “Rescinding this EPA determination will undo progress we have made to address climate change by eliminating existing EPA greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and undermining the EPA’s mandate to regulate harmful air pollution that causes climate change.” He added, “I proudly stand against this reckless and unlawful attempt to strike down science-backed emission standards that protect the environment and our health.”
The coalition argues that the EPA’s move disregards legal precedent and scientific consensus regarding climate change. The rescission is said to ignore decades of peer-reviewed evidence about the severity of climate change impacts. The group warns that removing these protections could endanger millions of Americans, especially those in communities already facing environmental challenges, and disrupt regulatory frameworks affecting industries, natural resources, and public investments.
Recent events highlight the impact of climate change in Illinois. Flooding has become more frequent and severe, causing deaths and billions in property damage across the state. In Cook County alone, storms in June and July 2023 resulted in $500 million in damages, while flooding in August 2025 damaged over 5,500 homes.
Raoul’s office has previously submitted comment letters urging the EPA not to proceed with rescinding the Endangerment Finding. The current lawsuit is supported by attorneys general from multiple states as well as several major city governments.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office advocates for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. It handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website, aims to protect consumers while promoting safer communities and advocating for environmental issues according to its official website, extends advocacy efforts statewide according to its official website, partners with law enforcement agencies according to its official website, and offers services such as complaint filing for consumer fraud or civil rights matters according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Raoul’s participation signals continued legal action aimed at maintaining federal oversight on vehicle emissions amid ongoing debates about environmental regulation.
