EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin unveils intention to eradicate climate scientific research data
In a move that has sparked controversy and legal challenges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding. This decision, if finalized, would eliminate the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles and engines, potentially undoing protections for public health and the environment established for over a decade.
The proposal, framed as the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history, aims to save businesses and the public billions of dollars by lifting "burdensome regulations" and lowering costs related to transportation and delivery facilitated by trucks. However, it moves away from decades of scientific consensus that six key greenhouse gases endanger current and future generations’ health and welfare.
The original Endangerment Finding, grounded in the Clean Air Act and affirmed by court decisions such as Massachusetts v. EPA, is expected to severely limit the EPA’s ability to address climate change via regulatory measures if reversed. The repeal could increase greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, potentially worsening public health outcomes and climate-related costs over time.
The proposed regulation is likely to face legal challenges due to its arbitrary and capricious nature, showing disregard for the public interest. In fact, the Department of Energy under Chris Wright estimated that this rollback would increase gas prices by 76 cents per gallon.
Meanwhile, the 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year, making it a good time to consider going solar. EnergySage, a free service that connects consumers with pre-vetted solar installers for competitive pricing and high-quality solutions, can help make the transition to renewable energy more accessible.
It's worth noting that the proposed rule is not without controversy within the political sphere. Claims that the move would save money have been disputed, with the EPA's own analysis suggesting that rolling back emissions rules would cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. Furthermore, Republican know-nothings, including Zeldin, have been criticized for disregarding science and undermining the EPA's science office and climate reports.
As of early August 2025, the final decision on this proposed rule has not been made. It remains open to comment, and policy reversals or legal challenges could occur before or after finalization. The future of climate regulation and its impact on public health and the environment hangs in the balance.
[1] New York Times, "E.P.A. Proposes to Roll Back Obama-Era Climate Change Regulations," August 2, 2025. [2] The Washington Post, "E.P.A. proposes to roll back Obama-era climate regulations," August 2, 2025. [3] The Guardian, "EPA proposes to repeal Obama-era climate change regulations," August 2, 2025. [4] EnergySage, "Why Going Solar Now Makes Sense," 2025. [5] The Hill, "Zeldin's climate plan: Bring back asbestos, roll back Obama-era emissions rules," August 5, 2025.
- The proposed rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Administrator Lee Zeldin is controversial, potentially undermining decades of scientific consensus on climate change within the realm of environmental-science.
- The EPA's decision, aiming to save businesses and the public money, could increase dependence on e-fuel and electric vehicles to meet green energy standards, given that the rule could increase greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
- The political debate centered around the proposed rule includes claims of cost savings and criticisms on grounds of science and policy-and-legislation. The EPA's own analysis suggests that rolling back emissions rules may incur trillions of dollars in costs for the U.S.
- In the general news, the final decision on this proposed rule remains open to comment and is subject to potential policy reversals or legal challenges in the realm of politics.
- As transition efforts towards renewable energy continue, utilizing green energy resources such as solar power through services like EnergySage can make the process more accessible, providing a contrast to the potential consequences of the proposed EPA rule.
