Trump Administration Re-examines Legal Basis for Greenhouse Gas Regulations
For over a decade, the US government has regulated greenhouse gas emissions based on the determination that such pollution poses a threat to public health and welfare. However, President Donald Trump has initiated a review of the 2009 ruling, potentially paving the way for significant policy changes.
The endangerment finding, rooted in scientific evidence linking greenhouse gases to climate change, underpins a range of climate regulations. It emerged from a 2007 Supreme Court decision (Massachusetts v. EPA) that affirmed the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
Conservatives have long argued that the endangerment finding is flawed and should be revoked. President Trump's executive order directs the incoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator to assess its legality and applicability. If revoked, it could effectively dismantle the legal foundation for greenhouse gas regulations governing power plants, oil wells, and automobiles.
Environmental advocates contend that reversing the endangerment finding would be legally and scientifically unsound, citing the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change and its primary driver being greenhouse gas emissions. Federal courts have repeatedly rejected challenges to the finding.
President Trump's move signals a renewed focus on rolling back climate regulations. Senate Democrats have pressed EPA nominee Lee Zeldin on his stance, emphasizing the agency's legal mandate to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
The outcome of the review remains uncertain. Revoking the endangerment finding would face legal challenges and could divert EPA resources from addressing individual regulations. However, the administration's determination suggests a significant shift in climate policy is underway.