EPA under Trump revokes key 2009 climate pollution regulation
In Brief
The EPA has eliminated a foundational climate change regulation established in 2009.
Key Facts
- The Environmental Protection Agency is revoking the 2009 Clean Air Act 'endangerment finding' that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health.
- This 'endangerment finding' served as the scientific basis for much of the federal government's climate change regulations.
- President Trump announced the repeal of this regulation on a Thursday.
- The revocation removes a key regulatory foundation for U.S. efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
- The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. environmental policy under the Trump administration.
What Happened
On Thursday, President Trump announced that the Environmental Protection Agency is revoking the 2009 'endangerment finding' under the Clean Air Act, which identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This finding had underpinned many federal climate change regulations.
Why It Matters
The repeal of this regulation removes a central legal and scientific basis for U.S. climate policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This action represents a major policy change in U.S. environmental regulation.
Sources
- NPR News — Trump's EPA plans to end a key climate pollution regulation(1d ago)
- BBC News — Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health(1h ago)
- CBS News — Trump announces repeal of "endangerment finding" that greenhouse gases pose public health threat(just now)