Trump EPA Takes Final Steps on Rule Expected to Overturn Endangerment Finding, Clean Vehicle Standards

“The Trump EPA appears to be on the verge of revoking vital safeguards that protect people from climate change, deliver enormous health benefits and save Americans money. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has submitted a rule for final White House review that is expected to overturn the Endangerment Finding – the bedrock scientific determination that climate pollution harms public health and welfare – as well as all the climate pollution limits for cars and trucks that EPA has ever adopted. 

“Americans are already paying the price for climate change. We’re facing more powerful hurricanes and floods, more frequent heatwaves and fires, and higher temperatures that worsen air quality and lead to higher health care costs. We’re watching crops wither, power bills skyrocket, and insurance premiums soar. And if the Trump administration acts to overturn the Endangerment Finding and the clean vehicle standards, we will see more of this harmful pollution that will make life more expensive and more dangerous.

“The Endangerment Finding is the legal foundation that underpins EPA’s actions to reduce climate pollution. It is supported by a mountain of scientific evidence and has been repeatedly affirmed by the Supreme Court. The Clean Car and Clean Truck Standards cut harmful pollution and save drivers thousands of dollars on gas and maintenance costs. Hundreds of thousands of Americans along with business representatives, state and local officials, public health and medical associations, and many others told EPA during its public comment period that they oppose overturning these vital protections. 

“Environmental Defense Fund is firmly opposed to these efforts to reverse the Endangerment Finding and the Clean Car and Clean Truck Standards.” 

            - Peter Zalzal, Distinguished Counsel and Associate Vice President for Clean Air Strategies, Environmental Defense Fund 

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