EPA proposes rescinding 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
If rescinded, local governments would not receive federal support to plan for vehicle emissions
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed rules to rescind the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding, which gives the federal government the authority to regulate GHG emissions from vehicles and other sources of pollution. The EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule on Aug. 19 and 20.
The proposed rule would repeal all GHG emission standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines. If the GHG Endangerment Finding is rescinded, the EPA would lack statutory authority under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act to set standards for GHG emissions. Without this authority, the EPA could no longer require engine and vehicle manufacturers to measure, control and report GHG emissions. This change could significantly hinder local, regional, and state efforts to plan for and mitigate climate change.
Background
The 2009 Endangerment Finding concluded that six primary GHGs (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride) are a threat to public health and welfare. Transportation accounts for the largest portion of total GHG emissions in the U.S. A reversal of vehicle emission standards would harm public health and safety, particularly in overburdened and underserved communities. It would also likely increase air pollution, which is connected to the global prevalence of asthma and respiratory diseases, heat-related deaths, and many other long-term health issues.
Should the rule be rescinded, local and state governments would be the sole administrators of new standards for their communities and they would need to manage additional unforeseen increases from vehicles passing through, such as freight and tourist traffic, which would be difficult to manage without collaboration from the federal government.
How to participate in the EPA’s public hearing
Attend the public hearing: The EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule on August 19 and 20, with an additional session on Aug. 21 to accommodate the volume of testifiers, if necessary.
To register: E-mail [email protected] and include the following in the subject line: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194
Submit a comment letter: Written comments may be submitted on the proposed rule through Sept. 15, 2025. For instructions on how to submit comments and tips for making effective comments, visit the EPA’s Commenting on EPA Dockets webpage.
Washington state’s position
Washington state government employees will attend the public hearings to provide testimony and will submit written comments urging the EPA not to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding. Our comments will emphasize the potential impacts to local, regional, and state climate change planning and mitigation efforts.
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