POLITICO Energy What happens if Trump axes the endangerment finding?
Feb 28, 2025
Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO Pro, dives into the EPA's controversial move to reverse a key scientific finding crucial for climate change regulations. He explains the legal battles that might ensue and the broader implications for U.S. climate policy. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the endangerment finding and its significance during both the Obama and Trump administrations. With potential cuts to the EPA's budget looming, Guillén offers insights into what this means for future climate action.
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Endangerment Finding Importance
- The endangerment finding is crucial for U.S. climate policy, serving as the basis for major climate regulations.
- It allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases not explicitly mentioned in the Clean Air Act by declaring them a threat to public health.
Trump's Reversal Attempt
- The Trump administration aims to revisit the endangerment finding, potentially altering or repealing it.
- Previous attempts to undo it have failed, but Trump's executive order directs the EPA to reconsider it.
Potential Legal Challenges
- Weakening or undoing the endangerment finding would face legal challenges from environmental groups and states.
- They would argue that the scientific consensus on climate change as a threat is overwhelmingly strong and cannot be refuted.