US President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of a crucial 2009 climate determination that has been the legal basis for federal climate regulations. This determination, known as the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, identified carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare. Trump, alongside US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, revealed this decision at the White House, labeling it as the “single largest deregulatory action in US history.”
At a news conference, Trump criticized the endangerment finding as a “disastrous Obama-era policy” that harmed the American auto industry and increased prices for consumers. He emphasized that the determination lacked factual and legal support, asserting that fossil fuels have been instrumental in saving lives and reducing global poverty. This move is expected to impact regulations like vehicle emissions standards and reporting requirements for fossil fuel companies.
Former US President Barack Obama highlighted the significance of the endangerment finding in setting limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant regulations. He expressed concerns that without this determination, efforts to combat climate change and ensure public safety could be compromised. The decision to revoke this key climate determination has sparked debates over its potential implications on environmental policies and the economy.
