Environmental Health and Climate Change

American Water Works Association v. United States Environmental Protection Agency, et al. (Filed: 3/13/2026) 
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1991 and has been a crucial public health tool to monitor and reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. In October 2024, the EPA finalized a proposal that revised the LCR to make several important changes, including revising downward the “action level,” or the water lead level at which specific solutions are required from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L. The EPA’s final rule also provided a framework for replacing all lead pipes controlled by water systems in the next 10 years. The American Water Works Association (AWWA), a water utility trade association, sued EPA, seeking to block implementation of the 2024 LCR updates. AWWA argues in part that the rule poses significant financial challenges for consumers and replacing lead pipes over a 10-year window is not feasible.

ACP policy calls for actions to protect the public from harmful exposures to toxic substances and supports improvements to laws and regulations, including the Lead and Copper Rule, dedicated to ensuring access to clean, potable, safe water. In this amicus brief, the interested parties argue that the continued use of lead service lines is a major source of lead exposure in drinking water and lead exposure gives rise to serious and permanent adverse health effects. They further argue that the Lead and Copper Rule updates are an important step forward in mitigating the risk of lead ingestion.

See additional relevant ACP policy in the Climate Change section.

State of Nebraska, et al., v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, et al.; Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, et al. (Filed: 1/21/2025) 
In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule mandating reduction in vehicle tailpipe emissions for heavy-duty trucks for model years 2027-2032. Nebraska and 23 other states are challenging the EPA’s authority to reduce emissions by accelerating the adoption of electric trucks. This brief was filed in support of the EPA and its efforts to reduce emissions to benefit human and environmental health.

ACP policy calls for a global effort to reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and address the health impacts of climate change. ACP has previously supported the EPA's nationwide emissions standards for new vehicles and has advocated for stronger vehicle emissions standards. In this amicus brief, the interested parties argue that the rule will achieve significant emissions reductions that are expected to benefit human health. They further argue the rule stands to benefit communities that are disproportionally burdened by air pollution and the risks it poses to respiratory and cardiovascular health.

See additional relevant ACP policy in the Climate Change section.

Commonwealth of Kentucky, et al., v. Environmental Protection Agency, et al. (Filed: 12/6/2024)
In March 2024, the EPA finalized multi-pollutant emissions standards for new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and larger pickup trucks and vans. The standards will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants associated with a range of acute and chronic health problems. Kentucky and 24 states filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA’s authority to set emissions standards for future model year vehicles. This brief was filed on behalf of the EPA and 22 states supporting the emissions standards in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

ACP policy calls for a global effort to reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and address the health impacts of climate change. ACP has previously supported the EPA's nationwide emissions standards for new vehicles and has advocated for stronger vehicle emissions standards. In this amicus brief, the interested parties argue that exposure to light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions harms public health, disproportionately impacting the health of historically disadvantaged populations.

See additional relevant ACP policy in the Climate Change section.

State of Ohio, et al., v. United States Environmental Protection Agency, et al. (Filed: 1/20/2023)
This case involves a waiver granted to California by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows the state to adopt more stringent emissions standards than required by the Clean Air Act. Other states are also permitted to adopt California’s more stringent standards. This brief was filed on behalf of California against challenges from other states over the legality of the waiver.

ACP policy calls for a global effort to reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and address the health impacts of climate change. ACP has supported California’s emissions waiver and the EPA’s nationwide emissions standards for new vehicles. In this amicus brief, the interested parties argue that the Advanced Clean Car program reduces criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases to facilitate California’s compliance with the Clean Air Act, as well as responds to the compelling and extraordinary conditions in California caused by air pollution and climate change which both have harmful impacts on public health.

See additional relevant ACP policy in the Climate Change section.

State of Texas, et al., v. United States Environmental Protection Agency, et al. (Filed: 3/3/2023)
This case involves greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger cars and light trucks finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021. This brief was filed on behalf of the EPA in a challenge of the new, more stringent, standards by several states and trade organizations who argue that the new standards exceed the EPA’s authority.

ACP policy calls for a global effort to reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and address the health impacts of climate change. ACP has also stated support for the EPA’s nationwide emissions standards for new vehicles. In this amicus brief, the interested parties argue that the EPA’s Standards reduce vehicle emissions that harm public health, consistent with the Clean Air Act’s purpose of promoting public health.

See additional relevant ACP policy in the Climate Change section.