EPA revokes endangerment finding on greenhouse gases

The White House and EPA announced a formal revocation of the 2009 endangerment finding that provided the legal basis for federal regulation of greenhouse gases; the administration framed the change as a cost-saving deregulation while legal experts and environmental groups say litigation is likely.

The White House and the Environmental Protection Agency announced that the agency has revoked the 2009 "endangerment finding," which previously established that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare and could be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The administration described the move as a rollback of regulation intended to lower costs and ease burdens on energy and vehicle sectors. Environmental groups and some scientists criticized the decision and warned of increased pollution and associated risks. Legal experts say the change is likely to prompt court challenges and prolonged litigation. Key facts: - The EPA and White House announced the formal revocation of the 2009 endangerment finding that underpinned federal regulation of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases. - The 2009 finding was the legal basis used to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act for about 17 years. - The administration has framed the repeal as lowering costs, citing an estimate of roughly $1.3 trillion in savings and estimated vehicle cost reductions. - Legal experts and environmental groups reported that the move will likely prompt litigation and raised concerns about potential increases in climate-related harms; transportation sources account for roughly 20% of U.S. heat-trapping emissions. Summary: The administration has removed the central federal justification for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and officials presented the change as a cost-saving deregulation. Undetermined at this time.