Trump Allies Push to End Key US Climate Rule

In a pivotal move expected imminently as of February 11, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration is set to revoke the landmark “endangerment finding” — the scientific determination made in 2009 that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. This would effectively strip the federal government of its primary legal authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other emissions from power plants, vehicles, and industrial sources, marking what conservative activists describe as a “total victory” after 16 years of sustained efforts.

Background on the Endangerment Finding

Established during the Obama era, the 2009 finding concluded that six greenhouse gases (including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide) contribute to climate change and pose risks to human health through extreme weather, heat waves, air quality degradation, and more. It served as the cornerstone for major EPA rules, including:

• Limits on power plant emissions (e.g., the Clean Power Plan and its successors)
• Vehicle fuel efficiency and tailpipe standards
• Methane regulations for oil and gas operations

The finding survived multiple legal challenges, including Supreme Court reviews, but faced renewed attacks in Trump’s second term.

Current Developments and Timeline

• Conservative groups and Trump-aligned officials have long targeted the finding, arguing it overreaches EPA authority and relies on flawed science.
• Recent reports indicate the EPA, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin or successors in this administration, plans to finalize the repeal in the coming days or weeks.
• This follows executive actions rolling back other climate policies, including withdrawing from international accords and easing fossil fuel permitting.

Potential Impacts if Revoked

• Regulatory Vacuum: Without the endangerment finding, many existing and proposed emissions rules could be invalidated or blocked in court, forcing reliance on narrower statutes.
• Climate Goals: It would severely hamper U.S. efforts to meet Paris Agreement targets (from which Trump withdrew again) and domestic net-zero ambitions.
• Industry Response: Fossil fuel sectors (coal, oil, gas) would gain relief from costly compliance, while renewable energy advocates warn of setbacks in the clean energy transition.
• Public Health and Environment: Critics, including environmental groups and scientists, argue revocation ignores overwhelming evidence linking emissions to warming, wildfires, storms, and health issues like respiratory diseases.

Reactions and Broader Context

Environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and NRDC have vowed lawsuits, calling it an “assault on science.” Supporters, including energy industry groups, praise it as reducing regulatory burdens and boosting American energy dominance.

This development aligns with other administration priorities: expanding fossil fuel production, challenging “green” policies, and prioritizing economic growth over climate mandates. It comes amid related headlines on nuclear policy shifts and foreign oil interests (e.g., Venezuela actions)

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