President Donald Trump has revoked a landmark 2009 scientific finding that formed the legal foundation for many US climate regulations, marking a major rollback of federal climate policy.
The move eliminates the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “endangerment finding,” which determined that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare. The repeal was paired with the immediate removal of greenhouse gas standards for automobiles.
Wider Impact on Climate Rules
The 2009 ruling has served as the basis for regulations covering vehicle emissions, power plant carbon dioxide output, and methane leaks from oil and gas operations. Its removal could put many of those rules at risk. The original finding followed a 2007 Supreme Court decision that recognized greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act and required the EPA to determine whether they endanger public health.
Political and Legal Fallout
Trump described the finding as having “no basis in fact or law” and framed the repeal as a cost-saving measure that would reduce regulatory burdens and lower car prices. Environmental groups and Democratic leaders strongly criticized the decision, warning it could undermine efforts to combat climate change and harm public health.
Legal challenges are expected, as the Supreme Court has previously upheld the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases. The repeal represents one of the most significant shifts in US climate policy in recent years and could reshape federal environmental regulation moving forward.
