WASHINGTON (AP) — In a decisive action, the Trump administration has revoked a crucial scientific finding that has long served as the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding, which identified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as harmful to public health and the environment.
This move is seen as the latest aggressive approach from President Trump to dismantle climate regulations established during previous administrations. The endangerment finding was a critical component of the Clean Air Act, underpinning regulations for motor vehicles, power plants, and various pollution sources contributing to global warming.
Experts anticipate legal challenges to this repeal, as it could lead to widespread rollbacks of climate regulations affecting various sectors. Ann Carlson, an environmental law professor, warned that this action could create more havoc than previous regulatory rollbacks seen under Trump.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin heralded the repeal as the largest deregulatory action in the history of America, emphasizing a shift towards a pro-business approach.
Environmental advocates decried the repeal, labeling it an unprecedented attack on federal capacity to confront climate change challenges. They argue that abandoning the endangerment finding undermines essential protections against extreme weather events and health hazards exacerbated by climate change.
Alongside the repeal, Zeldin announced a proposed delay to a Biden-era rule aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks, a decision that critics argue could prolong the reliance on fossil fuel vehicles.
Former EPA administrator Gina McCarthy criticized the move, stating that it reflects a disregard for the substantial evidence linking climate change to public health risks.
Overall, the administration's actions signal a significant shift in the U.S. approach to climate policy, intensifying the battle over environmental regulations and their implications for public health and safety.
