Trump administration revokes 2009 endangerment finding that supported climate rules

The EPA finalized a rule rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding that underpinned U.S. greenhouse gas regulations, and it proposed a two-year delay to a Biden-era vehicle emissions rule.

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule that rescinds the 2009 endangerment finding, which determined that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. That finding has served as the legal basis for many U.S. climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. The agency also said it will propose a two-year delay to a Biden-era rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks. Key facts: - The final rule withdraws the 2009 endangerment finding that supported limits on greenhouse gas emissions. - The EPA announced a proposed two-year delay to a Biden-era vehicle emissions rule for cars and light trucks. - Courts previously ruled that greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act in Massachusetts v. EPA, and experts and groups have said legal challenges to the repeal are likely. Summary: The action removes the central scientific determination that underpinned a range of federal greenhouse gas limits and could affect standards for vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources. Officials and outside experts expect legal challenges and further court review; the timing of those cases is undetermined at this time.