The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration plans to undo significant findings established during Barack Obama’s presidency, which were essential for federal greenhouse gas regulations.
In a post on X, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin noted that an article from the Wall Street Journal mentioned, “The ‘Final Rule,’ which should be published later this week, will eliminate regulatory necessities for measuring, reporting, certifying, and adhering to federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles.”
Zeldin stated, “This week we will make history. We are ready to collaborate with President Trump to unveil the largest deregulatory initiative in U.S. history.”
Officials from the Trump administration clarified that this final rule “will not impact rules pertaining to emissions from stationary sources like power plants and oil and gas facilities.”
The forthcoming final rule, anticipated to be issued later this week, will eliminate requirements for measuring, reporting, certifying, and complying with federal standards on greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles, alongside related compliance measures, credit stipulations, and reporting obligations, as stated by government representatives.
They mentioned that this does not extend to rules focused on emissions from stationary sources. However, overturning this finding might allow for the removal of regulations affecting such facilities.
This action is expected to be celebrated by the fossil fuel sector, which has consistently opposed federal climate regulations. Since his presidency began, Trump has aimed to repeal rules deemed overly burdensome by his allies in the oil and gas industries. He has consistently claimed that fossil fuels are vital for both the economy and national security, asserting that a greater dependence on these resources can drive down energy costs.
A report from Breitbart News by Sean Moran in July indicated that during his visit to Indiana, Zeldin announced the agency’s plans to revoke the Obama-era endangerment study.
The EPA claimed that these endangerment findings have justified over $1 trillion in regulations.
According to the EPA, these findings have facilitated more than $1 trillion in regulations, including the electric vehicle mandates set by the Biden-Harris administration. Repealing the so-called “endangered findings” would remove all regulations on greenhouse gas emissions for cars and engines, thereby allowing for greater consumer choice in the market.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced, “On Thursday, President Trump will join Secretary Lee Zeldin to officially sanction the reversal of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment findings. This is the largest deregulatory plan in American history and is projected to save Americans $1.3 trillion in regulatory burdens.”
