Trump Administration Revokes EPA Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

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The Trump administration has officially revoked the EPA's 'endangerment finding,' which declared climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions to be a threat to public health and welfare. This decision has been widely criticized, as climate change has already led to increased wildfires, hurricanes, and the spread of infectious diseases - all of which have significant negative health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.

Why it matters

The endangerment finding was central to the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and address the public health threats posed by climate change. Revoking this finding will hamper the government's ability to protect public health from the dangers of a warming climate, which are expected to worsen in the coming years.

The details

The Trump administration cited purported economic benefits as the rationale for revoking the endangerment finding, despite overwhelming evidence that climate change poses grave threats to human health. Wildfires exacerbated by climate change have already caused thousands of deaths by spreading fine particle pollution, while also exposing people to toxic chemicals. Climate change is also expanding the range of disease-carrying insects and disrupting food production, which could lead to increased infectious disease outbreaks and food insecurity.

• The Trump administration officially revoked the EPA's endangerment finding on February 12, 2026.
• In 2018, a devastating wildfire destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, with climate change cited as a key factor in the fire's intensity.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The decision to revoke the EPA's endangerment finding is expected to face legal challenges, as the agency's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions is central to addressing the public health impacts of climate change.