Trump moves to rescind the endangerment finding underpinning climate rules

The EPA under the Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding that provided the legal basis for many federal greenhouse gas rules, with a formal announcement scheduled for Feb. 12; legal challenges are expected.

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rescinding the 2009 endangerment finding, the formal conclusion that certain greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. That 2009 finding served as the legal basis for a range of federal greenhouse gas regulations enacted afterward. In July, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled a proposal to repeal the finding and related automobile greenhouse gas standards. The agency received more than half a million public comments and scheduled a formal announcement for Feb. 12. Key facts: - The 2009 endangerment finding concluded that carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare and supported subsequent EPA climate rules. - In July, the EPA proposed rescinding that finding and removing vehicle greenhouse gas standards; the administration has advanced legal and scientific arguments for the change. - The proposal drew extensive public comment and multiple parties, including environmental groups, have said they plan to challenge the repeal in court; courts are expected to play a central role in the outcome. Summary: Removing the endangerment finding would eliminate the legal foundation for many existing federal rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions. Legal challenges are likely and the courts are expected to decide whether the repeal stands. The final legal and policy outcome is undetermined at this time.