Trump to repeal ruling allowing regulation of planet-heating gases

The Trump administration, led by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, is set to repeal the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding, which established the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. This action, announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, is slated to be formalized on Thursday and is described as the largest deregulatory action in American history. The administration claims the rollback will save Americans $1.3 trillion. Environmental groups, including the National Resources Defense Council, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Earthjustice, strongly oppose the repeal, arguing it undermines efforts to address climate change and poses risks to public health. These groups have promised legal challenges, anticipating a lengthy court battle over the decision. The EPA argues the endangerment finding was damaging and costly for American families and businesses.

The Trump administration, according to a White House official, is expected to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding this week. This EPA declaration, established during the Obama administration, determined that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. Rescinding this finding, the legal basis for climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, could significantly weaken U.S. efforts to combat climate change. The move is framed by the White House as a deregulatory action to promote American energy dominance and reduce costs. Environmental groups are expected to legally challenge the decision, calling it a major setback for climate action. The EPA is finalizing a new rule regarding the endangerment finding, though the exact timing of the revocation is unclear.