By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ‘28
Since 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Endangerment Finding has given the agency the authority to restrict climate change-causing pollution, such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These regulations, based on the Clean Air Act from the 1970s, have controlled emissions, saved lives and slowed the climate crisis.
On July 29, 2025, the Trump-appointed head of the EPA, Lee Zeldin, announced a proposal that would eliminate the Endangerment Finding, specifically removing all restrictions on emissions from medium and heavy-duty auto vehicles. This proposal was accompanied by a speech delivered by Zeldin that dismissed the role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the climate crisis. How sad it is that the head of the “Environmental Protection Agency” thinks like this.
If this proposal goes into effect, US GHG emissions will skyrocket without bound. The Biden administration attempted to return the US to climate leadership but this action will take us backward and worsen the global climate crisis.
Even though the proposal is aimed to benefit auto manufacturers, it may be a gateway to further rollbacks of GHG protections, including for coal- and gas-fired power plants. Furthermore, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be economically incentivized if auto manufacturers can emit without regulations.
Fortunately, a huge percentage of Americans believe that GHG emissions need to be regulated. A recent Data for Progress poll found 86% of Americans “strongly” or “somewhat” agree, including an impressive 79% of Republicans.
The proposal has not been finalized and you can comment until September 22, 2025.Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard.
We are joining with the entire environmental movement in seeking to submit a record number of comments in our uphill battle to fight the Trump administration effort. Please share this with others and join the Alliance in sending this pre-written EarthJustice Federal Register comment to make your voice heard and oppose the proposal!
Minnesota had Green house gas emission testing and standards for all registered vehicles when I moved here in 1999. What a refreshing and responsible idea I thought compared to the awful car smog and pollution problems I experienced daily when I lived in Wasington DC and Chicago. Those tests are not required anymore partially due to the auto manufacturers producing better filtering of particulates and not having leaded gas. We don’t want to move backwards on limiting green house gas emissions. Aren’t we supposed to be getting smarter?? Please be open minded that climate health is connected to human health.