EPA Set to Revoke Foundational Climate Regulation Finding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, a scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases threaten public health, which has served as the legal foundation for climate regulations. Announced by the White House, the action is set for Thursday with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Trump, framed as the largest deregulatory move in U.S. history, claiming $1.3 trillion in savings. The revocation, submitted to the Office of Management and Budget, will immediately eliminate emissions rules for the transportation sector, a major polluter. This decision is seen as a victory for the fossil fuel industry and a significant setback for climate change mitigation efforts under the Trump administration.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will formally revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, which has been the cornerstone for regulating greenhouse gases under U.S. law, marking a major shift in climate policy.
Background on the Endangerment Finding
The endangerment finding, established in 2009, determined that greenhouse gases pose a risk to public health and welfare, granting the EPA authority to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act. This finding underpins numerous climate regulations, including those for vehicles and power plants.
Administration's Stance
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the action, to be formalized by President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, is described as "the largest deregulatory action in American history," with projected savings of $1.3 trillion for the American people.
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Regulatory Process
The EPA submitted the proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget over the weekend, a key step in the revocation process. The agency initially proposed rescinding the finding in July 2024.
Expected Impacts
Revoking the endangerment finding will immediately eliminate regulations on emissions from the transportation sector, one of the largest polluters. This move is anticipated to benefit the fossil fuel industry, which has long opposed climate regulations.
Broader Context
This action represents the Trump administration's most significant attack on climate change efforts to date, potentially reshaping U.S. environmental policy for years.
