Trump Administration Repeals Key Climate Finding, Ends Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the repeal of a landmark scientific determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, while also eliminating federal tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks. The move marks the most sweeping rollback of U.S. climate policy to date, dismantling a cornerstone of regulations that had governed emissions from vehicles, power plants, and major industries since 2009. Trump described the action as the “biggest deregulatory move in U.S. history,” arguing the previous rules harmed the auto industry and increased costs for consumers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the original endangerment finding relied on an incorrect interpretation of the Clean Air Act, contending the law was designed to address pollutants with local or regional impacts rather than global climate effects. Adopted after a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that allowed greenhouse gases to be regulated as pollutants, the finding had enabled limits on carbon dioxide, methane, and other heat-trapping emissions. EPA officials estimate the rollback could save taxpayers $1.3 trillion, while critics note that prior standards were projected to deliver long-term consumer savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs, partly by accelerating the shift to electric vehicles.

The decision drew sharp criticism from environmental groups and former President Barack Obama, who warned it would undermine public health and climate action, while the coal industry welcomed the move as a way to preserve aging power plants. Legal experts predict immediate court challenges, with organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and Earthjustice preparing lawsuits that could lead to a prolonged legal battle. Analysts also warn the repeal could create regulatory uncertainty, potentially opening the door to new litigation against major polluters and complicating future efforts by subsequent administrations to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

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