The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially rescinded the Endangerment Finding last month and along with it Phases 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission standards. This rescission will nullify the current and proposed car and truck emission standards.
The 2009 Endangerment Finding ruled Greenhouse Gases (GHG) “endangered public health and welfare” and gave the EPA sweeping authority to regulate GHSs.
The six GHGs covered under this finding were carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.
In the EPA’s announcement, they assert the Clean Air Act does not empower the agency to regulate GHG emissions, but instead it puts the power in Congress’ hands to direct the EPA to do so, should they so desire. They further explain regulating vehicle GHG emissions has a “de minimus” impact on public health and climate change.
This rule change does not affect the regulations in place governing Nitrous Oxide or Particulate Matter.
The EPA and its administrator, Lee Zeldin, are being sued by a coalition of environmental groups, and California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has vowed to sue as well.