EPA reverses climate change finding, stripping own ability to regulate emissions
4 hours ago
- #deregulation
- #EPA
- #climate-change
- President Trump announced the EPA is rescinding the 'endangerment finding', a policy used to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
- The endangerment finding, established in 2009, stated that greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane endanger public health and welfare.
- Trump called the policy 'disastrous' and claimed fossil fuels have historically benefited humanity by lifting people out of poverty.
- Environmental groups plan to sue over the repeal, arguing it is scientifically and legally unfounded.
- The repeal removes the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, affecting vehicle and power plant emissions.
- The Supreme Court had previously ruled in 2007 that the EPA could regulate greenhouse gases, leading to the endangerment finding.
- The Trump administration labeled the repeal as 'the largest deregulatory action in American history'.
- The U.S. has exited the Paris Agreement and may leave the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, reducing its role in global climate talks.
- Trump also canceled $8 billion in clean energy funding and allocated $175 million to extend the life of coal plants.
- The EPA will no longer enforce greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles but will still regulate pollutants like carbon monoxide and ozone.
- Critics, including the NRDC, argue the repeal benefits the fossil fuel industry and will be challenged in court.
- Scientific organizations dispute the administration's claims, citing clear evidence of climate change's harmful effects.
- The Interior Secretary claimed CO₂ is not a pollutant and the repeal could revive the coal industry.