EPAhead, Lee Zeldin - known for antagonizing climate action - unveils initiative to erase climate research
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its plan to repeal the 2009 endangerment finding, a decision that could significantly alter federal climate regulations and the EPA's authority on climate matters.
This move, led by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, aims to dismantle the science-based foundation for federal regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act. The endangerment finding, which concluded that GHGs such as carbon dioxide and methane threaten public health and welfare by contributing to climate change, has been critical in setting emissions limits on vehicles, power plants, and methane leaks since 2009.
Zeldin argues that this move will reduce regulatory burdens and costs on industry and the economy. However, legal experts caution that this repeal could be a "very high-risk strategy" that could lead to increased lawsuits and motivate states with Democratic leadership to enact stricter climate laws.
The repeal process involves a public comment period and extended review, with finalization expected in 2026. Given the strong scientific consensus underpinning the original finding and its prior legal resilience, the change is expected to face significant court challenges.
The repeal of the endangerment finding is part of a broader conservative effort to reshape climate policy. Critics argue that Zeldin's intentions are to harm Americans and help his oil industry allies, an assertion bolstered by his past actions, such as his abandoned plan to bring asbestos back and his deletion of climate reports, as well as the shutting down of the EPA's science office.
Environmental groups and legal experts widely oppose this move. Organisations such as the Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Network, Environmental Defense Fund, and America is All In have voiced their concerns. The EPA's own analysis indicates that rolling back climate regulations would cost the US trillions of dollars.
During the public comment period, feedback from humans is expected to be negative on the plan to raise fuel costs and harm health. As the debate unfolds, the future of federal climate regulations hangs in the balance.
Key points:
- The endangerment finding underpins all major federal GHG regulations since 2009.
- Repealing it would undermine EPA’s legal authority to limit greenhouse gases.
- This is part of broader conservative efforts to reshape climate policy.
- The rollback has widespread opposition from environmental groups and legal experts.
- Process ongoing with public comments and likely court challenges; final ruling expected in 2026.
- Potential unintended consequences include increased litigation and pushback at state levels.
Sources:
- Undark, "EPA’s Big Move to Upend Climate Policy," 2025-08-05 [1]
- CT Mirror, "Trump EPA moves to repeal finding," 2025-07-29 [2]
- E&E News, "Killing EPA climate rule could backfire," 2025-08-05 [3]
- Columbia SIPA Energy Policy, "A Reckoning for Core US Climate Finding," 2025-08-05 [4]
- EPA Press Release, "Leaders Praise the EPA for Largest Deregulatory Action," 2025-08-01 [5]
- The endangerment finding, a critical foundation for federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions since 2009, concludes that climate change is a threat to public health and welfare, setting emissions limits on vehicles, power plants, and methane leaks.
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently planning to repeal this endangerment finding, a move that could significantly alter federal climate regulations and the EPA's authority, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin.
- The repeal of the endangerment finding is part of a broader conservative effort to reshape climate policy, with critics asserting that Zeldin's intentions are to harm Americans and benefit his oil industry allies.
- legal experts caution that this repeal could lead to increased lawsuits and motivate states with Democratic leadership to enact stricter climate laws. The EPA's own analysis indicates that rolling back climate regulations could cost the US trillions of dollars.
- Environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Network, Environmental Defense Fund, and America is All In, along with legal experts, widely oppose this repeal. The debate unfolds during a public comment period, with the future of federal climate regulations hanging in the balance and a final ruling expected in 2026.
