California sues Trump administration over reversal of landmark climate rule
California has launched a legal challenge against the Trump administration's decision to roll back a key climate regulation. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, targets the EPA's move to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding—a ruling that recognised greenhouse gas emissions as a serious threat to public health. The 2009 endangerment finding formed the basis for much of U.S. climate policy, including the EPA's authority to regulate vehicle emissions. By reversing it, the administration has drawn sharp criticism from state leaders. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the repeal a betrayal of the EPA's core duty to protect Americans, while Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Air Resources Board joined the legal effort.
The lawsuit seeks to overturn the EPA's decision and reinstate emission standards for vehicles. A broad coalition backs the challenge, including 25 state attorneys general, Pennsylvania's governor, and 10 cities and counties. They argue that the repeal defies established law and overwhelming scientific evidence on climate risks. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the rollback as a historic deregulatory achievement. But opponents insist the move undermines decades of environmental progress and public health safeguards.
If successful, the lawsuit could force the EPA to restore stricter emission rules. The case hinges on whether the repeal violates legal and scientific standards. A ruling in favour of California would reinstate a critical tool for U.S. climate action.
