The Trump administration is undertaking a multi-pronged assault on U.S.
climate policy, allegedly driven by a quid-pro-quo relationship with the fossil fuel industry.
The core of this strategy is the repeal of the EPA's 2009 "endangerment finding," which serves as the legal foundation for all federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
The administration's justification for deregulation relies on scientifically contested reports, legally dubious interpretations of the Clean Air Act, and skewed economic analyses that ignore the benefits of climate action.
Despite the federal rollbacks, significant opposition exists through legal challenges, ongoing state-level climate initiatives, and private sector investment driven by the favorable economics of clean energy.
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Concerns Raised
Repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding would cripple the legal basis for federal climate regulation.
The administration is prioritizing fossil fuel interests over public welfare and scientific evidence.
Skewed cost-benefit analyses are being used to justify harmful deregulation.
The federal permitting system is being weaponized to block clean energy projects.
Opportunities Identified
Strong legal challenges based on Supreme Court precedent are expected to counter the regulatory rollbacks.
State-level climate action and business investment in renewables continue despite federal headwinds.
The strong and improving economics of clean energy provide a durable, market-based driver for the transition.