US repeals EPA endangerment finding for greenhouse gases

10 hours ago

The Trump administration finalized rules revoking the EPA's authority to regulate climate pollution under the Clean Air Act.
The 2009 'endangerment finding' classified six greenhouse gases as dangerous, enabling EPA regulation of emissions from industries like oil, gas, and power plants.
President Trump called the policy a 'scam' and claimed its repeal had 'nothing to do with public health.'
The repeal also targets vehicle emissions standards, which the Biden administration had sought to tighten for fuel efficiency.
The EPA's justification for repeal focuses on legal arguments rather than rejecting climate science, claiming past administrations overstepped authority.
Legal precedent, including Supreme Court rulings, has upheld EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases, though its scope was narrowed in 2022.
Critics argue the repeal will lead to prolonged legal battles, potentially reaching the Supreme Court again.
Environmental and public health groups, including Earthjustice and NRDC, plan legal challenges, calling the repeal 'unlawful.'
If upheld, the repeal could permanently strip EPA's ability to regulate CO2 emissions unless Congress intervenes.

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