EPA revokes 2009 endangerment finding used to regulate greenhouse gases

The EPA revoked its 2009 'endangerment finding' that identified greenhouse gases as a danger to public health and welfare, and environmental groups are expected to challenge the decision in court.

The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday revoked its 2009 "endangerment finding." That finding had concluded that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The agency's action rescinds federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks. Environmental groups are expected to challenge the revocation in court. Key points: - The EPA revoked the 2009 endangerment finding that identified greenhouse gases as a danger to health and welfare. - The revocation rescinds federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks. - Environmental groups are likely to file legal challenges; courts previously rejected challenges to the finding in 2023. Summary: The decision could affect other climate regulations because agencies would need to reestablish an endangerment finding before proposing new rules for stationary sources such as power plants and oil and gas facilities. Environmental groups are expected to pursue court challenges, and the legal process is likely to shape subsequent developments.