FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT: Jessica Ortiz, Jessicao@mifamiliavota.org

WASHINGTON, DC – Mi Familia Vota today expressed significant concern for the health of the Latino community nationwide, noting Latinos will be among the most affected by the Trump administration’s decision to delay implementation of methane pollution standards for another twelve months. The Trump Environmental Protection Agency's move this week to delay implementation of 2024 methane standards effectively tables commonsense protections that would prevent 58 million tons of methane emissions, as well as 16 million tons of volatile organic compounds, and 590,000 tons of air toxics in the coming years. Latinos are already among the communities most afflicted with asthma and other respiratory issues that are exacerbated by smog-forming compounds. The EPA itself has previously published information showing Hispanic children are almost twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma as White children.

Methane is also one of the largest contributors in the United States to a warming climate, which is resulting in more severe natural disasters including stronger storms, floods, and wildfires. A report published Tuesday by insurance company Munich RE showed that U.S. natural catastrophes have dominated global losses in the first half of 2025, which amount to $131 billion. Almost $80 billion of those losses were mainly driven by wildfires in the U.S.

The Trump Administration used a regulatory tool called an “interim final rule” that is typically reserved for emergencies and that precedes any public input to delay these common sense protections.

Angelica Razo, Mi Familia Vota National Director of Campaigns & Programs, issued the following statement:

“Simply put, the Trump Administration’s delay of these methane standards represents a clear and present danger to Latino communities across the country, from both a health and economic perspective. Our community is over represented in fields that require working outdoors, even in extreme heat settings. Latinos are also among the most affected by asthma and other respiratory issues, made worse by emissions from the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the mental, physical and financial cost of devastating natural disasters driven by climate change has increased significantly in recent years over prior averages. Latino voters are paying attention because our lives are at risk, and we call on elected leaders at the local, state, and federal level to stand up to Trump’s EPA and insist they treat methane emissions and climate change as the critical issues they truly are.”

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About Mi Familia Vota - Mi Familia Vota’s mission is to mobilize Latino power, through year-round activation of the electorate, and investment in local infrastructure, to advance our community’s policy priorities. Mi Familia Vota is fighting for a future where Latino voices shape and advance policies that promote the health, safety, and prosperity of Latino communities across the country.