In a move that could dramatically reshape environmental regulation and the trucking industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed eliminating its authority to regulate greenhouse gases. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency’s plan to rescind the 2009 “endangerment finding,” a critical foundation for current greenhouse gas (GHG) standards that apply to engines and vehicles—including commercial trucks.
What Is the Endangerment Finding?
The 2009 endangerment finding determined that six greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride—pose a threat to public health and welfare. This decision, backed by the 2007 Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA, required the agency to regulate GHGs under the Clean Air Act. Since then, the finding has served as the legal basis for all vehicle emissions rules, including those enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Why Is the EPA Trying to Revoke It?
According to Administrator Zeldin, rescinding the endangerment finding will end what he describes as “$1 trillion or more in hidden taxes” and remove longstanding uncertainty for automakers. The proposal follows through on the Trump Administration’s broader goal of rolling back environmental regulations that are seen as economically burdensome.
Zeldin has publicly criticized the finding as the “holy grail of the climate change religion” and committed to reevaluating every regulation that depends on it. A draft revision has already been submitted for White House review.
Industry Reactions: Mixed Support and Concern
The trucking industry has responded swiftly:
- Support from ATA and OEMs:
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and major manufacturers like Daimler Truck North America support the proposal. They argue that the current GHG Phase 3 (GHG3) standards are unrealistic due to limits in technology, infrastructure, and cost feasibility. - Clean Freight Coalition Reaction:
The Clean Freight Coalition echoed support, emphasizing that existing targets would increase costs, disrupt the supply chain, and hurt the industry overall. - Opposition from CARB:
On the other side, CARB warns the move will create market instability and penalize fleets that have already invested in zero-emission vehicles. Former CARB official Craig Segall argued it undermines long-term planning and hurts businesses trying to transition to cleaner technologies.
What’s Next?
The EPA will formally publish the proposal in the Federal Register, triggering a public comment period. From there, the agency must go through an extended rulemaking process, responding to what could be thousands of comments. Legal challenges are expected from environmental and public health advocates, who argue that the science behind GHG dangers remains robust and clear.
Should the EPA succeed, the endangerment finding’s revocation could dissolve key emissions regulations. This could reshape vehicle pricing, manufacturing strategies, and compliance for commercial fleets across the country—adding to 2025’s already high regulatory uncertainty surrounding tariffs and GHG Phase 3 rules.
Stakeholders should closely monitor updates and prepare for potential regulatory shifts that could impact long-term fleet planning and emissions compliance.
Source:
Leave a Comment