The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposal to rescind the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. This decision could significantly impact the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from carbon-intensive industries, including the automotive and energy sectors. The original finding, issued during the Obama administration, concluded that greenhouse gas emissions posed a threat to public health and welfare by contributing to global warming, extreme weather events, and reduced air quality. It provided the foundation for various regulations aimed at curbing emissions, including the first greenhouse gas standards for light-duty vehicles in 2010 and subsequent standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as sectors like power generation and oil and gas.
The EPA’s proposal raises concerns about the scientific basis of the Endangerment Finding, suggesting that the global warming projections it relied on may be overly pessimistic. The agency indicated that repealing the finding would remove its authority to set standards for greenhouse gas emissions, affecting regulations across multiple sectors.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the proposal aims to resolve longstanding uncertainty for automakers and consumers, criticising previous administrations for allegedly misinterpreting the law and science. He argued that the existing greenhouse gas standards, rather than carbon dioxide itself, pose a threat to livelihoods. Zeldin noted that the proposal, if finalised, could undo regulations with an estimated cost of $1 trillion.
Environmental groups have sharply criticised the proposal. Conrad Schneider of the Clean Air Task Force described it as a “drastic step” that could jeopardise the health of millions. John Noël from Greenpeace USA labelled it a “handout from Trump to Big Oil,” dismissing the proposal’s scientific basis.
The proposal is expected to undergo a lengthy process before finalisation, including a public comment period and the requirement for scientific justification. It is anticipated to face legal challenges, with several groups already preparing to contest the EPA’s plan. The Natural Resources Defense Council has expressed its intent to fight the proposal in court, emphasising the importance of the Endangerment Finding as a legal foundation for pollution restrictions.
