Trump EPA to end Obama-era climate overreach

In a landmark move that could dramatically reshape the future of American energy, transportation, and economic policy, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposal to rescind the controversial 2009 “Endangerment Finding” at an Indiana auto dealership—undoing a cornerstone of the Obama-Biden era’s climate agenda.

The announcement, made alongside U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, and several other state and national leaders, marks the most significant rollback yet of what critics have called a regulatory regime that stifled innovation, crippled American manufacturing, and imposed hidden taxes on working families.

If finalized, the proposal would eliminate all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions regulations on motor vehicles and engines. These regulations were largely justified by the Endangerment Finding, which asserted that carbon dioxide and five other gases emitted by vehicles pose a danger to human health—a claim many now argue was based on flimsy science and political pressure rather than objective data.

Ending $1 Trillion in Hidden Costs

Since its inception, the Endangerment Finding has served as the legal foundation for more than $1 trillion in federal regulations, including the Biden-Harris Administration’s aggressive electric vehicle (EV) mandate. According to conservative economic models, rescinding the finding would save Americans an estimated $54 billion annually—money currently being absorbed through increased vehicle costs, inflated transportation expenses, and higher prices on everything from groceries to consumer goods delivered by truck.

“Today, the Trump EPA is proposing to end sixteen years of regulatory uncertainty and restore freedom of choice to the American consumer,” said Administrator Zeldin. “The Obama and Biden administrations used EPA authority to impose hidden taxes on families and businesses, distorting science and law in the process. We’re restoring the proper role of government.”

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright added, “This is a monumental step back toward policies rooted in real-world energy needs—not climate fantasies. America thrives when energy is abundant, affordable, and free from bureaucratic overreach.”

A Return to Common Sense

The move has been praised by industry leaders, state officials, and energy advocates across the country.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who has long championed pragmatic environmental stewardship, called the announcement “a win for consumer choice, common sense, and American energy independence.”

“The Obama-Biden EPA used climate policy as a political cudgel, hurting our competitiveness with no real environmental payoff,” Braun said. “Indiana proves that you can protect the environment while creating jobs. This move empowers Americans to make their own choices—without mandates from D.C.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita echoed this sentiment, praising the Trump Administration for putting an end to what he called “the green new scam.”

“For four years, we stood against Washington’s radical agenda. Now, thanks to President Trump and courageous leaders like Administrator Zeldin, we’re on the offense—unleashing American energy and dismantling overreach,” said Rokita.

Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Association, highlighted how the now-rescinded rules placed the entire U.S. supply chain at risk.

“The EV truck mandate was economic suicide for our industry,” said Spear. “We support clean technologies, but they must be affordable and practical. This move brings regulatory sanity back to the roads.”

The Problem with the Endangerment Finding

The 2009 Endangerment Finding was the product of the Obama EPA’s interpretation of Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, which authorizes the EPA to regulate pollutants that “endanger public health or welfare.” The agency concluded that carbon dioxide—along with gases not even emitted by vehicles—qualified, opening the door to sweeping vehicle regulations.

Critics argue that the decision was political from the outset. It did not quantify the actual impact of vehicle emissions on climate, nor did it consider the economic consequences of the regulations it justified.

More damning, recent Supreme Court rulings—including West Virginia v. EPA and Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo—have clarified that major policy decisions must be made by Congress, not unelected bureaucrats. The Trump EPA’s move reflects these legal realities.

“Obama’s EPA twisted language and law to serve an agenda,” said Zeldin. “We’re following the Constitution. If Congress wants to regulate carbon dioxide, it must say so directly—not delegate it through backdoors.”

Scientific Grounds for Reconsideration

EPA’s new proposal also cites updated scientific data, including findings from the Department of Energy’s 2025 Climate Work Group, which challenge key assumptions in the original Endangerment Finding.

Critically, the 2009 analysis lumped carbon dioxide—a naturally occurring gas necessary for life—with far more potent industrial gases. The new EPA review emphasizes that the original data failed to isolate CO₂’s specific impact or prove that vehicle emissions alone create a public health crisis.

“It was always about politics, not pollution,” said Secretary Wright. “With better data and stronger legal precedent, we’re getting back to reality.”

What Happens Next

The EPA will initiate a public comment period in the coming weeks. Citizens, industries, and advocacy groups are invited to weigh in. Instructions for participation will be published in the Federal Register and on the EPA’s website.

If finalized, the rollback will affect light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle regulations dating back to 2010. This includes the repeal of features like forced auto start-stop systems, off-cycle credits, and limits on internal combustion technology that many consumers and engineers have found costly and unreliable.

Conclusion

The rescission of the Endangerment Finding marks a turning point in the battle between centralized climate control and local economic liberty. It signals that Washington’s days of dictating what Americans drive and how they power their lives may soon be over.

As Governor Braun summed it up: “You don’t need a mandate to do what’s right. You need freedom—and common sense. And that’s what today is about.”