Trump's Administration Set to Revoke Landmark Climate Regulation

Wed Feb 11 2026 01:20:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Trump administration plans to rescind a crucial 2009 ruling that labeled greenhouse gases as harmful, sparking significant backlash from environmentalists. This move is seen as a major step back in efforts to combat climate change.

In a controversial decision, the Trump administration is expected to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, a key regulation identifying greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This action is aimed at reducing federal oversight on emissions and is anticipated to face legal challenges from environmental advocates. Critics argue it undermines essential measures to combat climate change, while administration officials claim it will lower costs and increase energy production.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is poised to revoke a pivotal scientific finding that has underpinned U.S. regulations on greenhouse gas emissions for over a decade. A White House official confirmed plans for a significant deregulatory move, which will see the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rescind the 2009 endangerment finding. This ruling established that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose serious risks to public health.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, This week at the White House, President Trump will be taking the most significant deregulatory actions in history to further unleash American energy dominance and drive down costs. Legal experts predict numerous challenges to any effort that effectively revokes these key climate regulations, seen as a major assault on federal climate action.

The endangerment finding is foundational for various climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, including auto emissions standards that protect against severe impacts of climate change, such as floods and wildfires. Environmental advocates have branded this proposed rule reversal the most significant attack on climate policy in U.S. history.

Critics, including scientists and environmentalists, express deep concern, noting that rolling back such regulations could lead to increased pollution and health risks. A legal battle is expected if this proposed rule becomes official, as previous decisions have overwhelmingly upheld the need for federal climate regulations. As debates continue, many are left contemplating the future of U.S. climate policy.