In a landmark move that will have far-reaching consequences for both American consumers and the economy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially revoked the 2009 “endangerment finding” on Thursday. This government declaration, issued under the Obama administration, claimed that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases endangered public health and welfare, laying the foundation for nearly all climate-related regulations over the past decade.
Announcing the decision at the White House, former President Trump said bluntly, “This determination had no basis in fact whatsoever.” He added, “This is a big one if you’re into environment. This is about as big as it gets.” For conservatives and anyone who values practical policy over endless bureaucracy, this is indeed a significant victory.
The move was spearheaded by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who first signaled plans to revoke the endangerment finding last July. At the time, he described the change as “the largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States.” Zeldin also warned that “there are people, who in the name of climate change, are willing to bankrupt the country.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with millions of Americans struggling with rising costs and inflation.
The implications of rescinding the endangerment finding are immediate and tangible. By repealing the rules tied to this declaration, the EPA will eliminate nearly all greenhouse gas emissions regulations for motor vehicles and engines. According to the agency, this will restore consumer choice and allow Americans to purchase “a safe and affordable car for their family while decreasing the cost of living on all products that trucks deliver.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the impact on vehicle costs, predicting “an average savings of more than $2,400 on a light-duty car, truck, or SUV.”
The economic benefits extend beyond individual families. The EPA estimates that overturning the endangerment finding could save Americans a staggering $1.3 trillion. For households feeling squeezed by higher prices at the pump, grocery store, and home heating bills, these savings are a welcome relief.
It’s worth remembering why the endangerment finding existed in the first place. It was issued in response to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA, which classified greenhouse gases as air pollutants subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. At the time, the Court left the EPA to determine, scientifically, whether these gases posed a threat to public health. The Obama administration’s finding concluded that they did—but that conclusion has always been debated, both scientifically and economically.
Environmental activists are already signaling legal challenges, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers decrying the change as “unlawful” and “ignoring basic science.” They argue the decision is a gift to “billionaire polluters.” However, for the average American, the reality is simple: families win, the economy wins, and regulations that had ballooned beyond reason are being reined in.
This EPA decision is a clear example of common-sense governance—policies that prioritize Americans over abstract fears, economic realities over endless red tape, and personal choice over government overreach. For too long, the endangerment finding has been a justification for ever-expanding regulations that make life more expensive for hardworking Americans. Now, that era is over.
