In a bold stroke aimed at reshaping America’s environmental policy, President Donald Trump has officially revoked a cornerstone climate decision from 2009. This ‘Endangerment Finding’ had long served as the legal bedrock for stringent greenhouse gas regulations, particularly those targeting vehicle emissions and promoting electric vehicles.
The announcement came during a White House press conference alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Trump hailed it as ‘the largest deregulatory action in American history,’ signaling a sharp departure from previous administrations’ approaches.
Speaking directly to the press, Trump criticized the Obama-era policy as misguided, arguing it crippled the U.S. auto industry and drove up car prices for everyday consumers. The 2009 finding declared carbon dioxide, methane, and four other gases as threats to public health and welfare, paving the way for emission standards on cars and mandatory reporting for fossil fuel companies.
Trump dismissed the scientific basis of the ruling, emphasizing fossil fuels’ role in saving lives and lifting billions out of poverty over generations. ‘This wasn’t based on facts or law,’ he asserted, positioning the reversal as a win for economic freedom.
Critics, including former President Barack Obama, swiftly condemned the move. In a post on X, Obama warned that dismantling the finding undermines controls on vehicle exhaust and power plant pollution, making people less safe and intensifying the climate crisis. He accused the decision of prioritizing fossil fuel profits over public health.
The revocation sets the stage for broader rollbacks on EV mandates and emission rules, potentially reshaping the automotive landscape. Industry watchers predict fierce legal battles ahead, as environmental groups gear up to challenge the administration in court. For now, Trump’s action underscores a fierce commitment to deregulation, sparking nationwide debate on the balance between economy and environment.