EPA to revoke endangerment finding that underpins US climate rules

On the Dash:

• The EPA will revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, removing the federal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
• The rollback benefits the fossil fuel industry but creates legal and regulatory uncertainty for vehicle and power plant emissions.
• The move faces political backlash and is likely to be challenged in court by environmental groups and industry advocates.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to revokethe 2009 “endangerment finding” on greenhouse gases on Thursday, the scientific determination that underpins U.S. climate regulations. The move represents the Trump administration’s largest climate-related deregulatory action to date, and the White House claims the rollback will save Americans $1.3 trillion in regulatory costs.

The endangerment finding, originally issued under the Obama administration, established that greenhouse gases pose significant risks to public health and welfare. It provided the EPA with the authority to regulate emissions from automobiles, power plants and other major sources.

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The rescission was first proposed in July of last year. Over the weekend, the EPA submitted the proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget. This action is widely seen as a major win for the fossil fuel industry, which has long opposed greenhouse gas regulation.

The finding has been upheld in multiple court challenges, including the Supreme Court’s 2007 ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA. Automakers and electric vehicle proponents, including Tesla, have urged the EPA to maintain the endangerment finding, emphasizing its role in providing regulatory stability and supporting consumer choice. The planned revocation is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups and close scrutiny in federal courts.