In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration announced on Thursday the rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding established under former President Obama. This move by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to dismantle crucial regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, raising alarms about potential health repercussions and escalating climate change impacts. Environmental advocates warn that this rollback could impose staggering costs on American society—up to nearly $4 trillion by 2055—while jeopardising the health of millions.
Reversing Progress on Pollution Control
During a press briefing at the White House, President Trump labelled the endangerment finding a baseless regulation and asserted that it had been the cornerstone of what he termed the “green new scam.” He stated, “Bad things happened, and yet this radical rule became the legal foundation for the green new scam, one of the greatest scams in history.” The repeal will eliminate emission standards that were designed to safeguard both public health and the environment, further exacerbating the climate crisis that has already led to extreme weather patterns and biodiversity loss.
This decision marks yet another instance of the administration’s broader agenda to roll back policies that have been in place for decades, including those regarding reproductive rights and workers’ protections. Critics argue that the rationale behind these changes is often rooted in economic interests rather than established scientific evidence.
Economic Implications of the Rollback
While the EPA has claimed that rescinding the endangerment finding will save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion, this assertion fails to account for the potential healthcare costs and expenses associated with extreme weather events. Research from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) suggests that this rollback could result in an additional 18 billion tons of pollution from now until 2055—approximately three times the current annual emissions. The potential costs from climate-related damages could soar to $3.9 trillion. Furthermore, the increased emissions may also lead to higher gas prices, with Americans potentially spending an extra $1.7 trillion on fuel over the next three decades.
Sandra Purohit, federal advocacy director for the nonpartisan business group E2, stated, “This decision will drive up costs for businesses and consumers and weaken our economy.”
Health Risks from Increased Emissions
The health implications of this policy reversal are profound. The removal of emission regulations is expected to escalate air pollution, which has been linked to serious health issues including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. According to the Environmental Energy and Study Institute, fossil fuel pollution accounted for one in five global deaths, with over 350,000 premature deaths in the United States attributed to pollution in 2018 alone. The EDF estimates suggest that this rollback could lead to as many as 77,000 premature deaths and create an additional 52 million asthma attacks.
“The science is clear: Climate change harms health—period,” said Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association. “By refusing to acknowledge and act on this, America’s health will suffer preventable harm.”
Escalating Climate Catastrophes
The scientific community has long warned that increased greenhouse gas emissions will accelerate global warming. The consequences are dire: more frequent and severe weather events, prolonged droughts, and intensified storms are just a few of the expected outcomes. This year has already seen hurricanes intensified by record ocean temperatures and wildfires exacerbated by dry conditions—a trend that is likely to worsen without regulatory safeguards.
Dr. Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, stated, “By scrapping vehicle global warming pollution standards today, the Trump administration has co-signed the release of more than 7 billion tons of planet-warming emissions nationally in the decades ahead.”
A Strong Backlash
The reaction to this announcement has been swift and severe. Environmental organisations have been vocal in their condemnation, asserting that the repeal will have devastating consequences. “People nationwide will pay the price for this illegal action,” declared Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “With no protections in place, climate change will worsen—this means more air pollution, more health problems, higher energy bills, and more extreme storms.”
Former President Obama also weighed in, expressing concern over the implications of the rollback for public safety and environmental health. “Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change—all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money,” he stated in a social media post.
Why it Matters
This decision is not merely a regulatory adjustment; it represents a significant retreat from environmental stewardship at a time when the climate crisis is worsening. The implications of deregulating greenhouse gas emissions extend far beyond economic calculations. They pose serious risks to public health and the environment, undermining decades of progress in safeguarding both. As the nation grapples with the consequences of climate change, the repeal of such critical regulations could have devastating effects on future generations, making it imperative for advocates and citizens alike to mobilise in defence of environmental protections.