Trump Administration Revokes Crucial Greenhouse Gas Regulation: Implications for Climate Action

In a significant move, US President Donald Trump, alongside Lee Zeldin, the director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced the revocation of the endangerment finding established in 2009. This rule has long served as the legal foundation for federal efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, asserting that such pollution poses risks not only to current public health but also to the wellbeing of future generations. The endangerment finding identifies six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. While CO2 is the most prevalent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, methane, despite being less common, is recognized for its more intense negative effects. Scientists have widely accepted the understanding that an increase in these gases contributes to rising global temperatures and climate change. For nearly two decades, the EPA leaned on this provocation to implement regulations addressing emissions. However, according to the Trump administration, greenhouse gases do not fulfill the legal criteria under which the government can limit pollution—criteria that necessitate a direct threat to the health of individuals living near the pollution source. This reasoning has led to the dismantling of the endangerment finding, along with several associated regulations, including restrictions on emissions from automobiles. This deregulation particularly benefits the beleaguered US automotive sector, which is in the midst of transitioning to electric vehicle production that inherently produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it signals a comforting relief to fossil fuel businesses, known to be substantial contributors of greenhouse gases. Contrary to overwhelming scientific consensus which indicates that human activities are the predominant drivers of climate change, Trump has repeatedly dismissed these findings, labeling them as fabricated. After taking office, Zeldin committed to the removal of the endangerment finding. Furthermore, Trump made headlines by pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement, a global treaty aimed at unifying efforts to combat climate change, making the country the only one to withdraw from the accord twice. The recent revocation is anticipated to spark legal challenges, potentially reaching the Supreme Court. Additionally, various federal states may respond by instituting stricter emission regulations, which could result in an inconsistent regulatory landscape for businesses that will need to navigate varying state laws. As this situation unfolds, the broader implications for environmental policy and the ongoing fight against climate change remain pivotal. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2