Trump administration repeals 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced the reversal of a key 2009 scientific ruling known as the 'endangerment finding,' which identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. Accompanied by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Budget Director Russ Vought, Trump stated the move would eliminate the legal basis for federal climate regulations and end vehicle emission standards for model years 2012 to 2027. The White House described the repeal as the largest deregulation in history, claiming it would reduce manufacturing costs by $2,400 per vehicle. Trump argued the Obama-era policy had damaged the domestic auto industry and increased costs for consumers, labeling the climate agenda a scam. Former President Barack Obama criticized the decision, stating that it prioritizes fossil fuel profits over public safety and health. Environmental groups have announced intentions to challenge the rollback in court, while the administration continues to withdraw from international climate commitments and terminate renewable energy tax credits.