US President Donald Trump revoked a 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to human health. The rule had provided the legal foundation for federal regulations targeting emissions from cars, power plants, and industry.
The White House called the move the “largest deregulation in American history,” claiming it will reduce vehicle costs by $2,400 and ease burdens on automakers. Environmental groups warned it represents the most significant climate rollback so far and vowed to challenge it in court.
Trump criticizes Obama-era climate policy
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump described the 2009 finding as “a disastrous policy that harmed the American auto industry and raised prices for consumers.” He called Democrats’ climate agenda a “radical scam” built on this rule.
Former President Barack Obama said the repeal will make Americans less safe and less healthy. He argued the change primarily benefits the fossil fuel industry at the expense of public welfare.
The endangerment finding shaped US climate law
The Environmental Protection Agency first evaluated greenhouse gases in 2009, declaring six major gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, a threat to human health. With Congress unable to pass climate legislation, the finding became central to federal efforts to limit emissions.
Meghan Greenfield, former EPA attorney, explained the rule governs emissions from vehicles, power plants, oil and gas production, landfills, and aircraft. “All standards across sectors rely on this single determination,” she said.
Trump officials said the rollback could save over $1 trillion and reduce energy and transport costs. They claimed automakers will save $2,400 per vehicle. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, formerly with the Department of Transportation, said regulations had pushed manufacturing overseas to dirtier production sites.
Environmental experts challenged the administration’s claims. Peter Zalzal from the Environmental Defense Fund said Americans could face $1.4 trillion in extra fuel costs, 58,000 additional premature deaths, and 37 million more asthma attacks.
Implications for the auto industry
Automakers may face uncertainty as producing less fuel-efficient vehicles could limit international sales. Climate law expert Michael Gerrard said the rollback enforces relaxed fuel economy standards but may hurt demand for US cars abroad.
Observers noted unintended consequences. The 2009 finding allowed federal authorities to block stricter state laws and climate-related nuisance lawsuits. Greenfield said the rule had blocked many cases and predicted new lawsuits from states and nonprofits.
Scientific debate
The Department of Energy formed a panel last year questioning the science on greenhouse gas warming. That report guided the proposal to overturn the 2009 finding. Many experts criticized the panel as biased and unrepresentative.
A federal judge ruled the department violated the law in forming the panel. Legal analysts said the administration may seek a Supreme Court review. If successful, the repeal could become permanent, preventing future presidents from reinstating the rule without Congress.
Greenfield said, “The EPA is leaving this space entirely. A Supreme Court ruling would block any future president from reversing this decision.”
