The Trump administration is set to take a significant step in rolling back regulations established during the Obama era, specifically targeting the 2009 “endangerment finding” related to greenhouse gases. This finding classified six greenhouse gases as potential threats to public health and welfare, giving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate emissions from vehicles and power plants. According to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the upcoming move represents “the largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States.”
The new report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that the administration’s final rule, expected to be released this week, will eliminate the regulatory requirements for measuring and reporting federal greenhouse gas emissions in several sectors. This includes not just motor vehicles but also associated compliance programs. Although this change will not immediately overturn regulations on power plants, it may pave the way for future deregulatory actions in that area.
Since taking office, Trump has pursued a consistent agenda to reduce regulatory burdens, urging the EPA to reassess the continued validity of the endangerment finding. In July, the agency took initial steps to propose rescinding this finding, with officials estimating that doing so could lead to compliance cost reductions of around $1 trillion.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the administration’s focus on energy abundance, stating, “More energy drives human flourishing.” This suggests a broader philosophy within the administration that prioritizes the development and use of domestic energy resources rather than regulating against specific forms of energy. Such statements underline the administration’s strong pro-energy stance, indicating a desire to move beyond regulations perceived as restrictive.
Trump’s commitment to deregulation will be highlighted in an executive order he plans to announce soon, directing the War Department to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants. This move reaffirms his administration’s intention to support the coal industry and other traditional energy sources.
In his communications, Trump has also challenged the prevailing climate change narrative, particularly amid weather events. Recently, he drew attention to a severe cold wave affecting many states, questioning, “Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???” Such remarks resonate with a segment of the public that remains skeptical of mainstream climate science and emphasize the administration’s efforts to engage in the broader debate on energy and climate policy.
This impending shift in regulatory policy illustrates Trump’s ongoing battle against what he describes as unnecessary constraints on America’s energy potential. It reflects a prioritization of economic growth and energy independence over environmental regulations, a theme central to his presidency and the broader political discourse surrounding energy policy. The unfolding developments will likely continue to stir debate as they challenge the foundations of climate change regulation established over the past decade.
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