February 13, 2026: In a move characterized by the White House as the "largest deregulation in American history," the Trump administration officially revoked the 2009 "endangerment finding" on February 12, 2026.
This landmark ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had previously classified greenhouse gases (GHGs) as a significant threat to public health and welfare, providing the primary legal foundation for federal emissions regulations for nearly two decades.
The decision, announced jointly by President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, effectively dismantles the regulatory framework used to limit carbon dioxide and methane emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities.
A Push for Economic Deregulation
The administration framed the reversal as a fulfillment of a key campaign promise to lower costs for American consumers and revitalize the domestic manufacturing sector.
Vehicle Cost Savings: White House officials estimate that removing these regulations will save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion in the long term.
Specifically, they project a reduction of roughly $2,400 in the purchase price of new vehicles. Industry Relief: President Trump criticized the 2009 finding as a "disastrous Obama-era policy" that imposed "trillions of dollars in hidden costs" and limited consumer choice.
Energy Dominance: Administrator Zeldin stated that the move returns the EPA to the "letter of the law," arguing that the Clean Air Act was never intended to give the agency sweeping authority over global climate policy.
Environmental and Public Health Warnings
The reversal has sparked immediate and fierce backlash from environmental advocates, scientists, and former officials.
"Removing the endangerment finding makes Americans less safe, less healthy, and less able to fight climate change," stated former President Barack Obama on X (formerly Twitter).
Experts from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) warned of a "domino effect" that could lead to:
Increased air pollution and respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.
A surge in planet-warming emissions, with some estimates suggesting an additional 18 billion tons of pollution by 2055.
Higher long-term costs for families due to extreme weather damage and rising insurance premiums.
Economic Impact and Deregulation Goals
The administration framed the reversal as a fulfillment of a key promise to lower costs for American consumers and revitalize the domestic manufacturing sector. Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump criticized the 2009 rule as a "disastrous" policy that hampered the US auto industry.
The White House provided the following projections regarding the impact of this deregulation:
| Key Metric | Projected Impact |
| New Vehicle Costs | Estimated savings of $2,400 per vehicle |
| Regulatory Scope | Affects 6 major gases, including CO2 and Methane |
| Industry Focus | Automotive, Power Plants, and Oil & Gas sectors |
| Legal Strategy | Aimed at making rollbacks permanent via Supreme Court |
Legal and Regulatory Roadblocks
The 2009 finding was the "legal backbone" for nearly all federal climate rules.
However, the path forward is likely to be defined by litigation. Several states, led by California, along with environmental organizations, have already signaled their intent to challenge the ruling in court.
Global and Industrial Impact
The move also raises questions about the global competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry. While the administration emphasizes short-term savings, some market analysts warn that relaxing standards could leave American manufacturers behind in a global market increasingly focused on electric vehicles (EVs) and green technology.
Furthermore, by withdrawing from international climate discussions earlier this year, the United States continues to pivot toward a fossil-fuel-centric economic model, a shift that observers say will fuel political and scientific debate for years to come.
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