Trump Administration Revokes Key Climate Change Regulation Basis

In Brief

The Trump EPA rescinded the 'endangerment finding' enabling greenhouse gas regulations.

Key Facts

• The Trump administration revoked the 'endangerment finding' related to greenhouse gas emissions regulation.
• The 'endangerment finding' served as the legal basis for federal climate change regulations.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the revocation on Thursday.
• The decision removes the federal government's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under this finding.
• The revocation marks a significant shift in U.S. climate policy under President Trump's administration.

What Happened

On Thursday, the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency officially revoked the 'endangerment finding,' a scientific determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. This finding had provided the legal foundation for federal regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Why It Matters

The removal of the 'endangerment finding' eliminates the federal government's legal authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under this framework, potentially impacting U.S. climate policy and environmental regulations. This action represents a major policy shift with implications for national and global efforts to address climate change.