President Donald Trump announced the termination of the Obama-era endangerment finding, marking what he described as the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, aimed at dismantling federal greenhouse gas regulations.
WASHINGTON, DC—In a significant shift in environmental policy, President Donald Trump announced what he termed “the single largest deregulatory action in American history.” This move involves the formal termination of the Obama-era Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment finding, which served as the foundation for federal greenhouse gas regulations.
“Under the process just completed by the EPA, we are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding,” Trump stated, labeling it a “disastrous Obama-era policy” that he claimed had severely harmed the American auto industry and significantly increased prices for consumers.
The endangerment finding, established in 2009, concluded that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare. This determination provided the legal basis for various emissions standards. Trump argued that the finding “had no basis in fact” and “had no basis in law.”
Trump asserted that this action would eliminate over $1.3 trillion in regulatory costs, claiming it would lead to a dramatic decrease in car prices. He projected that the average cost of a new vehicle could drop by “close to $3,000.”
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin echoed Trump’s sentiments, calling the rollback “the single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States of America.” He stated that the elimination of the 2009 Obama EPA endangerment finding would save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion, leading to lower prices and more choices for consumers.
Zeldin emphasized that American families could save “over $2,400 for a new vehicle” and noted that manufacturers would no longer be obligated to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles and engines.
“The forced transition to electric vehicles is eliminated,” Zeldin remarked, indicating that automakers would no longer face pressure to shift their fleets toward electric models.
In addition to terminating the endangerment finding, Trump announced the repeal of what he described as “absurd tailpipe emission standards” and the revocation of “Biden’s emissions waiver,” which would have allowed California to regulate automobiles nationwide.
Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, remarked, “Literally no other president would have done this to get at the foundations of the Green New Deal.”
In response to concerns about public health implications, Trump asserted that the rollback would not pose a risk. “I tell them, don’t worry about it because it has nothing to do with public health,” he said, dismissing the concerns as part of “a scam, a giant scam.”
Zeldin clarified that the recent actions would not alter regulations concerning traditional air pollutants and air toxics, stating, “This EPA is committed to providing clean air for all Americans.”
This significant policy shift marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over climate change and environmental regulations in the United States, reflecting the administration’s priorities in balancing economic growth with environmental considerations.
According to IANS, the implications of this decision will likely resonate throughout various sectors, particularly the automotive industry and environmental advocacy groups.