Trump revokes “endangerment finding”; the legal basis for U.S. climate rules
ENVIRONMENT – CLIMATE CHANGE
14 FEBRUARY 2026
“Endangerment Finding” under Obama
- In 2009, under President Barack Obama, the EPA formally concluded that greenhouse gases (GHGs) endanger public health and welfare.
- This determination gave the EPA legal authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide and other climate pollutants.
- The finding became the legal foundation for:
- Vehicle emission standards
- Power plant carbon regulations
- Methane rules for oil and gas companies
The Rollback under Trump
- U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the 2009 “endangerment finding” issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), marking a major reversal of U.S. climate policy.
- This includes
- Revocation of the 2009 endangerment finding
- Immediate elimination of greenhouse gas standards for automobiles
- Potential dismantling of Carbon dioxide limits on power plants and Methane leak regulations for oil and gas producers
- President Trump described the original finding as having “no basis in fact”
- The administration claims the move will save over $1 trillion in regulatory costs, reduce new car prices and boost industrial growth.
- Mr. Trump also reiterated his long-standing view that human-caused climate change is exaggerated or unfounded.
Broader Implications
- The U.S. is one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters.
- The repeal represents:
- A major shift from regulatory climate action toward deregulation
- A confrontation between executive authority and scientific consensus
- A likely prolonged legal battle in U.S. courts.
- Weakening federal climate regulations could:
- Increase domestic emissions
- Impact global climate negotiations
- Influence international energy markets
- Affect U.S. credibility in climate diplomacy
