EPA plans to repeal its 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases.

The EPA intends to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding that linked greenhouse gases to risks to health and welfare; the move follows draft rules that would roll back related vehicle and power plant standards and is expected to prompt legal challenges.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to repeal the 2009 endangerment finding that concluded greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin will formalize the rescission. The endangerment finding has served as the legal basis under the Clean Air Act for vehicle and other greenhouse gas regulations. The EPA previously released a draft rule and proposed related rollbacks for vehicles and power plants. Key points: - The agency plans to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding, a finding the EPA has said underpins its authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. - White House officials and EPA leadership announced the action; an August draft also proposed removing greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles and other related rollbacks. - The EPA has cited a Department of Energy-commissioned report and recent court decisions in its rationale; a judge recently found procedural problems with the DOE working group that produced that report. - Scientific organizations and environmental groups have disputed the EPA's reasoning and said they will challenge the repeal in court. Summary: If finalized, the repeal would remove the legal foundation for many federal greenhouse gas regulations and could alter existing emissions standards. Environmental and scientific groups have announced plans to contest the change, and litigation is expected. Undetermined at this time.