Significant Deregulation in Auto Emissions Standards Announced
For the past 16 years, “endangerment studies” have served as a key tool for climate change proponents in Washington. Originally established by the Obama EPA in 2009, they were aimed at supporting extensive regulations that restricted manufacturing of cars and inadvertently increased living costs for American families. These studies nudged the country towards a controversial electric vehicle mandate and generated compliance demands that left many hardworking Americans frustrated.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join President Trump at the White House for the announcement of the repeal of this endangerment finding, along with the subsequent federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles and engines.
This is, in fact, the most extensive deregulatory initiative in U.S. history, expected to save taxpayers over $1.3 trillion. Families could see more than $2,400 saved for each vehicle. By cutting out regulatory costs, it should become easier for families to purchase the cars they prefer, making them more affordable and allowing Americans to take part in job growth and small business development.
Furthermore, incentives for automatic start-stop systems—which many drivers dislike—have been eliminated. From my travels to all 50 states last year, I noted a clear consensus: people are generally not fans of this feature. It often shuts down engines at stoplights, drains batteries faster, and offers minimal environmental benefits. It felt more like a token gesture in the fight against climate change without any real impact.
Automakers shouldn’t be compelled to adopt technologies that aren’t in demand. The Trump EPA prioritizes consumer choice over climate change solutions.
We made this decision because the American public has urged it, and the law requires it. The Obama administration stretched the Clean Air Act’s interpretations, labeling carbon dioxide from tailpipes and several other gases as “air pollution” that contributes to climate change. Historically, the EPA viewed the Clean Air Act as a measure to address pollution that directly harms public health. However, the prior administration misused this authority, leading to the implementation of an endangerment study that acted as a weapon to extend their reach.
The Supreme Court has clarified in crucial cases, like Roper-Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and West Virginia v. EPA, that government agencies can’t misinterpret laws to seize powers that were not granted by Congress. Significant policy decisions like these should fall to Congress instead of unelected officials. The Trump EPA is committed to following the law as it was intended, rather than how climate activists wish it to be interpreted.
Additionally, many of these activists prefer that Americans remain unaware of how their predictions have largely been unfounded. The basis of the endangerment findings relied on forecasts and assumptions that, over the last 16 years, have failed to materialize. Earlier models used to justify such findings have now faced substantial scrutiny. The Trump EPA has even concluded that eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. vehicles wouldn’t fundamentally affect global climate change, a major assumption supporting 2009’s regulations.
This is crucial to grasp. American families have been burdened with trillions of dollars in unnecessary expenses. They’ve also lost certain freedoms that should have remained intact. The Trump EPA aims to establish policies based on reality, not ideology.
This wasn’t a hasty decision. We engaged in a thorough rulemaking effort with a 52-day public comment period and held four days of virtual hearings where more than 600 people spoke, collecting about 572,000 comments from the public. We listened and made meaningful adjustments.
Owning affordable cars is vital to the American dream. It plays a key role in how families get to their jobs, how small businesses move products, and how millions of Americans in rural locations access healthcare and education. It’s fundamental to economic mobility in the U.S.
The regulations driven by endangerment studies have only made new vehicles less affordable for families. The drive for electric vehicle mandates by previous administrations pushed automakers to limit traditional gasoline and diesel options, leading to a redesign that many claim is financially impractical. The costs of these climate initiatives have disproportionately impacted those who can least afford them.
President Trump has pledged to invigorate America’s energy sector, revive the automotive industry, and prioritize American citizens. Today’s announcement aligns with that promise, representing what we believe to be the most extensive deregulatory action in American history and substantial cost savings for citizens. We are moving past the days of climate regulations governed by what officials think is best. The core of the American dream is returning. Promises made and promises kept.
