The Trump administration is poised to turn a major page in American climate policy. The President of the United States is scheduled to officially announce on Thursday the repeal of legislation adopted in 2009 under Barack Obama’s presidency, which has been considered the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. The announcement was made by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
This legislation, known as the “Endangerment Finding,” establishes that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, pose a danger to public health. As such, they fall within the category of pollutants that can be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For the White House, this decision marks “the largest deregulation effort in American history.” According to Karoline Leavitt, the repeal would reduce costs borne by households and businesses, particularly in the automotive sector.
### A Pillar of Climate Policy in Question
Adopted following a Supreme Court decision in 2007, the Endangerment Finding served as the legal basis for a series of federal regulations aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions. It enabled the imposition of emission standards on cars, trucks, and power plants.
Its revocation would pave the way for the removal of these environmental constraints and allow the Trump administration to annul numerous rules established over recent years. This aligns with the president’s stance, which favors the oil, gas, and coal industries.
### Strong Criticism from the Scientific Community
This announcement has immediately sparked strong reactions from scientific and environmental sectors. Many experts believe that such a reversal represents a significant setback in the fight against climate change, especially given that scientific evidence of human activities’ impact on the climate has intensified since 2009.
Last July, over 1,000 scientists and experts issued an open letter reminding that the available data on human-caused climate change was “unequivocal” at the time, and even more alarming today.
The U.S. administration, for its part, downplays the direct role of greenhouse gases in human health, arguing that their effects are global and indirect, and should not be equated with traditional pollutants.
### A Legal Battle on the Horizon
The decision is expected to swiftly face legal challenges. Several environmental organizations have already announced their intention to contest the repeal, a process that could reach the Supreme Court. Opponents argue that the Endangerment Finding arises directly from a 2007 decision by the same court.
“We will see them in court,” warned Manish Bapna, president of the environmental organization NRDC.
This rollback comes at a tense climate juncture. The year 2025 has been ranked among the hottest ever recorded, and the effects of climate disruption are multiplying in the United States and around the world. However, despite the climate urgency, investments in low-carbon technologies are stagnating in many developed economies.
By targeting the foundational legislation of American climate regulation, Donald Trump confirms his intention to break with the environmental policies of his predecessors, risking further isolation for the United States on the international climate stage.