EPA repeals the finding that underpins U.S. climate rules
The 2009 endangerment finding said greenhouse gases threaten public health. Its repeal also scrapped every vehicle emissions standard for them.
On Feb. 12, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency rescinded its 2009 endangerment finding, the determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, which the Supreme Court had required it to make. The agency also repealed all greenhouse gas standards for cars and trucks.
Rather than disputing the science directly, the EPA argued it lacks the legal authority to regulate greenhouse gases for their effect on climate. It estimated the repeal would save more than $1.3 trillion but did not estimate the public-health and environmental costs, according to Harvard's Environmental and Energy Law Program. Health, science and environmental groups sued quickly. The U.S. also withdrew from the U.N. climate treaty in early 2026.
The receipts
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World Resources Institute byline on original
EPA's endangerment finding repeal, explainedHarvard Environmental & Energy Law Program byline on original
EPA repealed the endangerment finding and GHG emissions standards for motor vehiclesKirkland & Ellis byline on original
EPA issues final rule to rescind endangerment finding