Strategic PartnershipsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally proposed rescinding a long-standing rule that sets the basis for the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions in motor vehicles.
The proposal, introduced on July 29 by agency officials at an automotive dealership, is designed to revitalize the U.S. auto industry and align EPA policy with the Trump administration’s environmental and energy agenda.
According to agency officials, the deregulation would strip the EPA of statutory authority under the 2009 Endangerment Finding to establish standards for greenhouse gas emissions and regulate motor vehicles and engines.
The endangerment finding, issued during the Obama administration, concluded that greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health and welfare. Over 16 years, the finding has served as the EPA’s legal basis for emissions standards across light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
If finalized, the proposed repeal would eliminate the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. This would effectively dissolve all existing federal emissions rules tied to carbon dioxide and related gases, including mandates that encourage or require automakers to shift toward electric vehicle production. The agency is also planning to reconsider several prior regulations that rely on the finding.
The move comes as the Trump administration introduced over 30 policy considerations for agency review in March, seeking to boost domestic energy production and spark automotive innovation. The endangerment finding was featured in this EPA-wide review along with several other existing automotive rules and policies, including:
- Light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle restrictions and existing electric vehicle mandates.
- Multiple National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for domestic energy and manufacturing sectors.
- Risk Management Program Rule.
- Tech Transition Rule.
The Trump administration’s targeting of the endangerment finding is intended to spark automotive innovation and ensure affordable options for Americans purchasing vehicles, according to EPA officials.
Notably, critics of the move cite the endangerment finding as a contributor to the nation’s fight against climate change and global warming.
While the move is not final, the EPA will open a comment period to gather public and stakeholder feedback as the proposal is considered. The agency anticipates posting the public comment process and additional instruction on the Federal Register in the coming weeks.
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