Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete February 12, 2026 at 08:15 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Donald Trump has revoked the 2009 "endangerment finding," an Obama-era ruling that declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health. The reversal, announced in the Oval Office, removes the legal basis for federal regulations aimed at curbing emissions, particularly from vehicles. Trump administration officials claim the move will save over $1 trillion and reduce car prices by $2,400 per vehicle. Environmental groups criticize the decision as the most significant rollback on climate change efforts to date, arguing it undermines regulations across various sectors, including power plants and the oil and gas industry. The EPA's 2009 finding had become central to federal efforts to control emissions after Congress failed to pass climate legislation. Legal challenges to the reversal are expected.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Department of Justice 40% Meghan Greenfield 40% Karoline Leavitt 40% White House ×260% United States 70% Barack Obama ×270% Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ×380% Donald Trump ×390%

Keywords

greenhouse gases 100% endangerment finding 90% climate change 90% donald trump 80% obama-era ruling 70% epa 60% environmental regulation 60% deregulation 50% vehicle emissions 50% public health 40%