US President Donald Trump reversed a 2009 scientific finding that classified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. The rule had formed the backbone of federal efforts to control emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources.
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 the action represents the most significant climate rollback to date and promised to challenge it in court.
Trump attacks Obama-era climate rules
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump called the 2009 finding “a disastrous policy that damaged the American auto industry and increased costs for consumers.” He described Democrats’ climate agenda as a “radical scam” based on this regulation.
Former President Barack Obama argued the repeal makes Americans less safe and less healthy. He said the change mainly benefits the fossil fuel industry at the expense of public welfare.
The role of the endangerment finding in US policy
The Environmental Protection Agency first evaluated greenhouse gases in 2009, identifying six major gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, as dangerous to human health. Because Congress failed to pass comprehensive climate legislation, the finding became central to federal regulatory efforts.
Meghan Greenfield, a former EPA attorney, explained the rule governs emissions from vehicles, power plants, oil and gas production, landfills, and aircraft. “All standards across these sectors rely on this single determination,” she said.
Trump officials argued the rollback could save over $1 trillion and lower energy and transportation costs. They claimed automakers will save $2,400 per vehicle. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, formerly with the Department of Transportation, said regulations had driven manufacturing overseas to dirtier production sites.
Environmental experts challenged the administration’s claims. Peter Zalzal from the Environmental Defense Fund warned Americans could face $1.4 trillion in added fuel costs, 58,000 more premature deaths, and 37 million additional asthma attacks.
Impact on the auto industry
Automakers face uncertainty because producing less fuel-efficient cars could reduce international sales. Michael Gerrard, a climate law expert, said the rollback enforces relaxed fuel economy standards but may weaken global demand for US vehicles.
Observers noted unintended consequences. The 2009 finding gave federal authorities the power to block stricter state laws and climate-related nuisance lawsuits. Greenfield said the rule had blocked numerous cases and predicted new legal challenges from states and nonprofit groups.
Scientific debate
The Department of Energy formed a panel last year questioning the science on greenhouse gas warming. That report guided the reversal proposal. 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 test. If successful, the repeal could become permanent, preventing future presidents from reinstating the rule without new legislation.
Greenfield said, “The EPA is leaving this space entirely. A Supreme Court ruling would block any future president from reversing this decision.”
