States Sue EPA Over Trump-Era Rollback of Greenhouse Gas Findings

Mar 21, 2026, 2:57 AM

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A group of Democratic-led states has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), challenging the Trump administration's recent rollback of a critical finding that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to public health. The lawsuit, which includes Pennsylvania and 22 other states, was announced on Thursday and aims to hold the EPA accountable for its decision to rescind the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who is leading the lawsuit, emphasized the significant consequences of abandoning scientific and legal standards. "Climate change is real, and it's already affecting our residents and our economy," Campbell stated. "When the federal government abandons the law and the science, everyday people suffer the consequences." The suit requests judicial review of the EPA's decision to ensure it aligns with existing laws.

The 2009 endangerment finding, established during the Obama administration, provided the legal foundation for various climate change mitigation measures, including emissions regulations for vehicles and power plants. The Trump administration's EPA characterized the rollback as the "single largest deregulatory action in American history," claiming it would reduce regulatory costs for businesses and promote economic growth.

However, critics argue that this approach disregards the overwhelming scientific evidence regarding climate change and its impacts on public health. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, also part of the lawsuit, asserted that the rescission strips away vital protections against climate-related issues such as rising floods and extreme heat.

The lawsuit includes participation from several major states, such as New York, New Jersey, and California, as well as various cities and counties across the nation. Collectively, these entities hope to block the Trump administration's rollback, which they argue jeopardizes public health and environmental safety.

In its defense, the EPA claims that it thoroughly reevaluated the legal basis for the 2009 finding, citing changes in the Clean Air Act and recent court decisions. The agency contends that transportation emissions account for nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas pollution in the US, and argues the elimination of the finding will not significantly impact climate change mitigation efforts.

Legal experts suggest that the lawsuit poses a formidable challenge to the Trump administration, particularly given the Supreme Court's 2007 ruling that recognized greenhouse gases as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This ruling has consistently upheld the legality of the endangerment finding and subsequent climate regulations.

As the legal battle unfolds, environmental advocates have expressed optimism regarding the potential outcomes. Groups like PennFuture have praised the coalition's efforts, stating that the EPA's rollback is not only politically motivated but also detrimental to public health and environmental integrity.

The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond the immediate legal context, potentially influencing broader climate policy and regulatory frameworks in the US The outcome could set a precedent for how federal agencies address climate change and manage greenhouse gas emissions moving forward. Environmental advocates are hopeful that the courts will recognize the importance of scientific evidence in shaping public policy.

The lawsuit represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle over climate change regulation in the United States, as states seek to reclaim authority over environmental protections that they believe are essential for safeguarding public health and the environment.

As the situation develops, the plaintiffs await a response from the White House, while the legal implications of the lawsuit could delay or alter the Trump administration's policy goals concerning environmental regulations.

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