US President Donald Trump has reversed a key Obama-era scientific ruling that underpins all federal efforts to curb planet-warming gases. The so-called 2009 'endangerment finding' concluded that a range of greenhouse gases were a threat to public health and has served as the legal basis for initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, particularly in the automotive sector.
In announcing the change, the White House labeled the reversal as the 'largest deregulation in American history', claiming it would reduce costs for automakers and lower car prices for consumers. The administration argues that this move will save more than $1 trillion over time, with each vehicle saving automakers approximately $2,400.
Environmental groups, however, regard the rollback as the most significant attack on climate change regulation yet attempted, expecting to challenge the decision legally. Critics highlight that the endangerment finding is crucial for regulations across various sectors, including energy and transportation, and its removal raises serious concerns about public health and environmental degradation.
Experts predict that the reversal could lead to an increase in premature deaths and health-related issues such as asthma attacks, as manufacturers shift towards less efficient, more polluting vehicles. Observers in the auto industry express uncertainty, noting that lower fuel efficiency may impact international sales.
While the Trump administration seeks to demonstrate financial benefits, many in the environmental community argue that the long-term costs, both economic and health-related, will outweigh any immediate savings. Legal challenges against this rollback are anticipated, particularly as it comes on the heels of a controversial report from a government-appointed panel questioning the established science on greenhouse gas impacts.
In announcing the change, the White House labeled the reversal as the 'largest deregulation in American history', claiming it would reduce costs for automakers and lower car prices for consumers. The administration argues that this move will save more than $1 trillion over time, with each vehicle saving automakers approximately $2,400.
Environmental groups, however, regard the rollback as the most significant attack on climate change regulation yet attempted, expecting to challenge the decision legally. Critics highlight that the endangerment finding is crucial for regulations across various sectors, including energy and transportation, and its removal raises serious concerns about public health and environmental degradation.
Experts predict that the reversal could lead to an increase in premature deaths and health-related issues such as asthma attacks, as manufacturers shift towards less efficient, more polluting vehicles. Observers in the auto industry express uncertainty, noting that lower fuel efficiency may impact international sales.
While the Trump administration seeks to demonstrate financial benefits, many in the environmental community argue that the long-term costs, both economic and health-related, will outweigh any immediate savings. Legal challenges against this rollback are anticipated, particularly as it comes on the heels of a controversial report from a government-appointed panel questioning the established science on greenhouse gas impacts.
