In a dramatic shift in US climate policy, President Trump announced the repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) endangerment finding, which had established the legal framework for regulating greenhouse gas emissions since 2009.
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washingtonpost.comThis decision is regarded as a monumental move, with Trump labeling it "the single largest deregulatory action in American history." He characterized the previous regulation as a "disastrous" policy that was part of a "giant scam" orchestrated by former Presidents Obama and Biden.
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epa.govcnn.comThe endangerment finding classified six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, as threats to public health and welfare under the Clean Air Act.This classification enabled the EPA to impose limits on pollution from vehicles, power plants, and various industries, making it a cornerstone of federal climate policy.
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cnn.comtheguardian.comBy revoking this finding, the Trump administration effectively eliminates the federal government's primary tool for controlling climate pollution.
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washingtonpost.comEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, speaking alongside Trump at the announcement, argued that the previous administrations had misused the endangerment finding to impose stringent climate regulations that burdened American families and businesses.He stated that the new directive aims to foster economic growth while allowing states more autonomy in environmental decision-making.
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epa.govZeldin emphasized that the rollback of these regulations would make it cheaper for Americans to purchase vehicles and heat their homes.
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washingtonpost.comEnvironmental advocates and public health organizations have condemned the repeal, asserting that it jeopardizes the health and safety of millions of Americans.Groups such as Earthjustice and the American Lung Association have pledged to challenge the decision in court, arguing that it contradicts established scientific consensus on the dangers posed by climate pollution.
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cnn.comtheguardian.comAbbie Dillen, president of Earthjustice, stated, "There is no way to reconcile EPA's decision with the law, the science, and the reality of disasters that are hitting us harder every year.".
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washingtonpost.comCritics assert that the elimination of the endangerment finding will not only impede efforts to combat climate change but could also lead to more severe public health repercussions.Data indicates that climate-driven weather disasters have already inflicted substantial economic damage, with estimates suggesting that such events caused $115 billion in damages in 2025 alone.
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washingtonpost.comTrump's administration claims that the repeal will save US families significant amounts of money by reducing regulatory costs.Zeldin projected that the new deregulation efforts would lead to substantial savings for American households and businesses.
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epa.govtheguardian.comHowever, experts caution that the long-term costs of inaction on climate change, including increased healthcare expenses and economic losses from extreme weather events, could far outweigh any short-term financial benefits.
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cnn.comThe legal basis for the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases has been affirmed by the Supreme Court multiple times, raising questions about the viability of the Trump administration's arguments.
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cnn.comThe conservative shift in the Supreme Court could influence future rulings on this issue, but environmental groups are prepared for a legal battle to reinstate the protections lost with the endangerment finding.
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washingtonpost.comcnn.comAs the Trump administration embarks on this aggressive deregulation agenda, the implications for both the environment and public health remain significant.Critics warn that this move marks a regression in US climate policy at a time when global cooperation is essential to address the escalating climate crisis.
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theguardian.comThe outcome of the impending legal challenges will be crucial in determining the future of climate regulation in the United States and the government's ability to combat climate change effectively.
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epa.govcnn.comThis latest development reflects the ongoing tension between economic priorities and environmental protection, a theme that has defined much of the Trump administration's policy approach.
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theguardian.comWith the repeal of the endangerment finding, the path forward for US climate action has become increasingly uncertain, leaving many advocates calling for immediate and robust responses to the climate emergency.
