EPA Administrator Announces Repeal of Obama-Era Endangerment Finding, Citing $1.3 Trillion in Savings
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a decisive move that marks a significant shift in federal environmental policy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Trump has officially eliminated the Obama-era Endangerment Finding, a regulatory cornerstone that classified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health and welfare. Announced on February 16, 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin declared the repeal a victory over what he described as “Democrat climate insanity,” emphasizing that the action will save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion.
First established in 2009 during the Obama administration, the Endangerment Finding empowered the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, leading to sweeping regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial pollution. These regulations have been credited by many environmental experts with driving reductions in carbon emissions and promoting cleaner technologies. However, critics have long argued that the mandates imposed significant costs on consumers and businesses alike.
Administrator Zeldin, speaking alongside President Trump at the White House, framed the repeal as a relief for American families and industries burdened by costly compliance requirements. “For 16 years, the so-called Endangerment Finding has been the weapon of choice for climate change zealots in Washington,” Zeldin said. He highlighted that the repeal lifts federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles and engines, which he said will reduce the average cost of a new vehicle by more than $2,400.
“By eliminating regulatory compliance costs, we are making it easier for families to buy the car they actually want — improving affordability and helping Americans reach jobs, grow small businesses and participate fully in the transportation and logistics systems that power the U.S. economy,” Zeldin added. The administration estimates this deregulatory action to be the largest in U.S. history, underscoring its economic impact.
The rollback has sparked a polarized response. Environmental groups and many Democratic lawmakers have criticized the move, warning it could accelerate climate change and undermine efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The EPA’s decision comes amid ongoing debates over the federal government’s role in addressing climate change and balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
For more information on the EPA’s regulatory framework and the history of the Endangerment Finding, visit the EPA’s official page. The Clean Air Act, which provides the legal basis for these regulations, can be reviewed through the EPA Clean Air Act Overview.
Economic analyses related to the repeal have been discussed by the Congressional Budget Office, which provides nonpartisan assessments of federal policies. Additionally, the Department of Energy offers insights into vehicle emissions standards and their impact on fuel economy and consumer costs.
As the nation watches the unfolding effects of this historic deregulatory action, the EPA’s decision underscores the ongoing tension between environmental regulation and economic priorities, a debate that will likely continue to shape U.S. policy in the years ahead.
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