Trump to reverse 2009 endangerment finding, official says

The White House confirmed the EPA will issue a final rule rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding that said greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare; the agency says it is finalizing a new rule but gave no timeline.

The Environmental Protection Agency will issue a final rule rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding, the White House confirmed. That 2009 decision established that greenhouse gases can endanger public health and welfare. EPA said it is finalizing a new rule but did not provide a timetable. Observers and advocates said legal challenges are likely. Key facts: - The EPA will issue a final rule rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding, according to a White House confirmation. - The 2009 finding has served as the legal basis for many Clean Air Act regulations addressing greenhouse-gas emissions. - The agency says it is finalizing a new rule but did not provide a timeline for when the finding would be revoked. - Legal challenges are expected if the finding is withdrawn. Summary: If finalized, rescinding the endangerment finding would remove the identified legal underpinning for numerous federal climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, and observers report that litigation is likely. EPA has announced it is finalizing a new rule, but the timing and immediate procedural steps remain undetermined.