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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Kelly Schutz, Communications Manager
kschutz@redmond.gov, 425-556-2453
Statement from Redmond Mayor Angela Birney on Repeal of the EPA Endangerment Finding
REDMOND, WA – The following is a statement from Redmond Mayor Angela Birney regarding the recent repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endangerment finding, which governs air pollution regulations:
On February 12, 2026, the EPA rolled back its landmark determination that greenhouse gas pollution from motor vehicles endangers human health. Decades of evidence show that greenhouse gases cause higher rates of asthma, heart disease, respiratory illness, premature death, and climate change-fueled disasters like heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. Similarly, many of us have seen firsthand what happens when air pollution goes unchecked – from Los Angeles before modern clean air standards were in place to areas today where hazardous air quality is a daily reality. Strong safeguards are what keep our air breathable and our communities healthy.
The City of Redmond is already experiencing the consequences of climate change, which is caused, in significant part, by greenhouse gas emissions. We have experienced flooding from extreme rain events, extreme heat, and increased wildfire smoke. Emergency events have serious repercussions for our city, from endangering first responders to impacts to our municipal infrastructure and power grid, including the ability to keep lights on and businesses and households running.
Redmond stands behind the science that protects people and remains dedicated to this work. Redmond joined 50 cities in a message to the EPA condemning the repeal of the endangerment finding last year, expressing how it would directly impact people in our communities. Beyond health and safety impacts, denying science hurts American innovation and puts U.S. leadership, and the millions of jobs that come with it, at risk.
Climate solutions cultivate healthy and connected communities that support both people and wildlife for generations to come. Redmond stands firm in our commitment to climate action despite these changes at the federal level.
Learn more about Redmond’s climate and sustainability efforts.
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