The Trump administration seeks to declare that CO2 from vehicles no longer endangers health.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to reverse a significant 2009 climate determination that has formed the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, alongside mandates promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This move could significantly impact the automotive industry, as it seeks to eliminate critical environmental protections established under previous administrations, reports 24brussels.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled the proposal at an auto dealership in Indiana, announcing the intent to revoke the 2009 Endangerment Finding that classified greenhouse gas emissions as a public health threat. Zeldin emphasized, “If finalized, this proposal would undo the underpinning of US$1 trillion in costly regulations, saving more than US$54 billion annually. With this proposal, the Trump EPA is proposing to end sixteen years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers.”
The original Endangerment Finding, established during President Barack Obama’s tenure, allowed the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act following a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that acknowledged carbon dioxide emissions as a danger to human health.
If enacted, the proposal would repeal all existing greenhouse gas standards for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles as well as heavy-duty engines, affecting regulations introduced starting in 2010. These standards, which include elements like off-cycle credits and automatic start-stop features, have faced criticism from various industry stakeholders.
The EPA has initiated a public comment period to gather feedback on the proposal, which is expected to face substantial opposition from environmental organizations and lawmakers who view the 2009 Endangerment Finding as essential for U.S. climate policy and necessary for reducing carbon emissions.
The Trump administration’s approach has raised concerns among environmental advocates regarding the long-term implications for public health and climate change mitigation efforts in the United States. The proposed rollback of vital regulations could undermine progress made towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the pressing issues of climate change.
