The Impact of Trump’s Rollback on Greenhouse Gas Regulation

Fri Feb 13 2026 23:52:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant policy shift, President Trump has revoked the essential 2009 endangerment finding that classified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health, claiming it to be a burden on the economy, while facing opposition from environmental groups concerned about the implications for climate change.

President Trump has announced the cancellation of the 2009 endangerment finding that deemed greenhouse gases harmful to public health, a move hailed by his administration as the largest deregulation effort in U.S. history. This reversal is expected to lower vehicle manufacturing costs significantly, yet environmental advocates warn of devastating consequences for public health and increased fossil fuel reliance. The decision is set to face legal challenges as environmental groups seek to preserve climate protections.

In a landmark decision, U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked a key scientific ruling initiated during the Obama administration that classified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. The 2009 endangerment finding, which became foundational for federal actions aimed at reducing emissions, has been called a disastrous policy by Trump, who cited its negative impact on the American auto industry and consumer prices.

The White House claims that this deregulation, described as the largest in American history, will reduce costs significantly for automakers—by up to $2,400 per vehicle—while also promoting cheaper, more energy-efficient vehicles. Critics, particularly environmental groups, view this rollback as one of the most significant attacks on climate regulation, predicting severe health consequences including increased premature deaths and asthma attacks. They assert that this deregulation could lead to over 58,000 additional premature deaths and 37 million more asthma attacks.

Trump’s assertion that the reversal will save American families money has been met with skepticism. Critics, including climate experts, argue that the rollback will ultimately cost Americans an additional $1.4 trillion due to increased fuel expenses and the adoption of less efficient vehicles. Former President Obama has said the decision will leave Americans more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and will bolster the fossil fuel industry.

Legal battles are anticipated as environmental organizations prepare to challenge the reversal in the courts. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2009 conclusion was instrumental in forming regulations across various sectors, including vehicles and power plants. The administration’s move to dismantle these regulations may not only worsen public health outcomes but also open doors for future legal disputes regarding environmental standards.

As opinions diverge sharply on the effects of this policy change, it remains to be seen how the automotive industry and environmental advocacy groups will navigate this new regulatory landscape. With bipartisan agreement on the need to combat climate change becoming increasingly scarce, the Trump administration's actions signal a pivotal moment in the country’s environmental policy.