US President Donald Trump reversed a landmark 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as dangerous to public health. The rule had underpinned federal efforts to curb emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industry.
The White House described the action as the “largest deregulation in American history,” claiming it will lower vehicle costs by $2,400 and ease pressure on automakers. Environmental groups called it the most significant climate rollback so far and plan legal challenges.
Trump condemns Obama-era regulation
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the 2009 finding was “a disastrous policy that hurt the American auto industry and increased costs for consumers.” He called Democrats’ climate agenda a “radical scam” based on the rule.
Former President Barack Obama warned that repealing the finding leaves Americans less safe and healthy. He said the change primarily benefits the fossil fuel industry at public expense.
How the endangerment finding shaped US climate policy
The Environmental Protection Agency first addressed greenhouse gases in 2009, declaring six major gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, a threat to human health. Congress failed to pass climate legislation, making the finding central to federal regulatory efforts.
Meghan Greenfield, a former EPA attorney, said the finding 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 argued the reversal could save over $1 trillion and reduce energy and transport costs. They said auto manufacturers will save $2,400 per vehicle. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, formerly with the Department of Transportation, said regulations pushed manufacturing overseas to dirtier production locations.
Environmental experts disputed the administration’s claims. Peter Zalzal from the Environmental Defense Fund said Americans could face $1.4 trillion in extra fuel costs, 58,000 more premature deaths, and 37 million additional asthma attacks.
Implications for the auto industry
Automakers may face uncertainty, as producing less fuel-efficient vehicles could limit global sales. Climate law expert Michael Gerrard said the rollback enforces relaxed fuel economy rules but could hurt international demand for US cars.
Observers warned of unintended consequences. The 2009 finding gave federal authorities power to block stricter state laws and climate-related nuisance lawsuits. Greenfield said the rule had stopped many cases and predicted new legal challenges from states and nonprofits.
Questions over scientific basis
The Department of Energy formed a panel last year questioning the science on greenhouse gas warming. That report supported 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 reversal could become permanent, blocking future presidents from reinstating the rule without Congress.
Greenfield said, “The EPA is leaving this space entirely. A Supreme Court ruling would prevent any future president from reversing this decision.”
