NEW: Trump KILLS Obama Regulations

The Trump administration has demolished the legal foundation for federal climate regulations by revoking the EPA’s 2009 endangerment finding that classified greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare.

Story Snapshot

EPA revokes the 2009 endangerment finding that established greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act
Trump claims $1.3 trillion in savings and $2,400 per vehicle by eliminating federal emissions standards
Decision eliminates federal authority to regulate emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other sources
Legal challenges are expected as the Supreme Court previously upheld the finding multiple times through 2022

Overreach Finally Reversed After 17 Years

President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the formal repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding on February 12, 2026, at the White House. The original Obama-era determination classified six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, as air pollutants that threaten public health under the Clean Air Act. This classification enabled decades of federal regulations on vehicle emissions, power plant operations, and industrial sources. Trump called the finding a policy with no basis in fact or law, while Zeldin emphasized that modern engine technology has advanced significantly since 2009, making the regulatory framework obsolete and unnecessarily burdensome.

The Trump administration revoked the EPA’s 2009 endangerment finding, which has served as the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. https://t.co/QN4DPZjjwR

— FOX 5 NY (@fox5ny) February 13, 2026

Massive Economic Relief for American Families

The White House projects $1.3 trillion in total savings from this deregulatory action, with consumers saving approximately $2,400 per vehicle by eliminating costly emissions compliance requirements. The repeal ends federal mandates forcing electric vehicle adoption and eliminates greenhouse gas reporting obligations that added layers of bureaucratic costs to manufacturers.

American auto and fossil fuel industries gain immediate relief from regulations that made them less competitive globally while driving up prices domestically. This represents the single largest deregulatory action in American history, according to the administration, directly addressing the economic frustrations of working families who bore the costs of climate policies through higher vehicle prices and energy bills.

Energy Dominance Over Climate Alarmism

The endangerment finding revocation fulfills Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” executive order signed January 20, 2025, which directed EPA to review the finding within 30 days. EPA released a fact sheet in March 2025 criticizing the finding as regulatory overreach costing trillions, then formally proposed rescission in late July 2025, citing recent Supreme Court decisions limiting agency power and questioning the Clean Air Act’s application to greenhouse gases.

The administration argues the finding improperly classified gases based on indirect and global effects rather than direct local pollution, stretching statutory authority beyond congressional intent. This approach prioritizes American energy independence and economic growth over participation in globalist climate frameworks that disadvantage U.S. industries.

Legal Battle Looms Despite Court Precedents

Environmental groups immediately signaled litigation plans, though the revocation’s immediate regulatory impact remains muted since most greenhouse gas rules were already repealed during Trump’s second term. The Supreme Court upheld the endangerment finding multiple times, including as recently as 2022, despite its conservative majority, creating strong legal precedents that could challenge the administration’s action.

Legal experts predict environmental advocates will argue the repeal ignores established science and violates procedural requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act. However, the administration contends that recent Supreme Court decisions restraining agency authority and the lack of explicit congressional authorization for regulating greenhouse gases provide a solid legal footing for the revocation.

I VOTED FOR THIS👊🇺🇸
Trump revokes EPA finding on greenhouse gas threat in huge blow to climate change regulations https://t.co/vEt9tNPu3J

— TheWarriorKing AKA "MAGA SURGEON WARRIOR" (@MAGASURGEON) February 13, 2026

Critics Ignore Economic Reality and Scientific Uncertainty

Former President Barack Obama criticized the decision on social media, claiming it makes America less safe and healthy, while environmental groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists called it corrupt favoritism toward fossil fuel interests. These critics conveniently ignore the trillions in economic costs imposed on American families and businesses through regulations justified by speculative climate models. The administration’s position reflects legitimate concerns about agency overreach and the weaponization of science to advance political agendas that prioritize global agreements over American prosperity.

Environmental Defense Fund and similar organizations warn of increased pollution and health costs, yet fail to account for technological advances in engine efficiency and emission controls that have dramatically reduced actual pollutants independently of federal mandates. The polarized reaction underscores the fundamental divide between those prioritizing American economic freedom and those demanding government control over energy and industry.