EPA Rescinds 'Endangerment Finding' on Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Ruling could provide $1.3 trillion in regulatory cost savings, experts say

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:04pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually visualizing the complex scientific and regulatory forces behind the debate over carbon dioxide emissions and climate change.An abstract visual representation of the scientific and regulatory forces at play in the debate over CO2 emissions and climate change policy.Washington Today

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a final rule rescinding the Obama-era 'Endangerment Finding' that allowed the federal government to limit emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases. The ruling is seen as a major setback for climate change activists, who are now challenging the decision in court. Experts argue that CO2 is not a pollutant but a life-sustaining plant food, and that the Endangerment Finding was not based on sound science.

Why it matters

The Endangerment Finding gave the EPA broad regulatory powers over CO2 emissions, impacting everything from vehicles to power plants. Rescinding the finding could provide significant cost savings for American households and businesses, but faces legal challenges from climate change activists who argue the decision ignores the scientific consensus on global warming.

The details

The EPA's final ruling rescinds the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which had allowed the agency to regulate CO2 and other greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The current EPA estimates this could provide $1.3 trillion in regulatory cost savings over two decades, and an average per-vehicle cost savings of over $2,400. Experts argue the Endangerment Finding was not based on legislation by Congress, but rather an interpretation by the Obama-era EPA that CO2 and other common atmospheric compounds should be considered pollutants, despite a lack of scientific consensus.

  • In mid-February 2026, the EPA published the final rule rescinding the Endangerment Finding.
  • The 2009 Endangerment Finding was issued during the Obama administration.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment, which issued the final rule rescinding the Endangerment Finding.

CO2 Coalition

A nonprofit organization of over 200 scientists and researchers that is volunteering to defend the EPA's ruling in court, arguing that CO2 is not a pollutant but a life-sustaining plant food.

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What they’re saying

“The Endangerment Finding became the legal engine behind regulations that raised energy costs, distorted markets, and made affordability an afterthought.”

— Jason Isaac, CEO, American Energy Institute

“CO2 is the gift of life for planet Earth, not a pollutant or a threat to public health and welfare.”

— Craig Rucker, President, Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow

“The basis of the wrongheaded Endangerment Finding put ideology ahead of science. The rule has been an impediment to economic growth, a cause of rising energy costs and a destroyer of many thousands of jobs at power plants, coal mines and manufacturing facilities.”

— Gregory Wrightstone, Executive Director, CO2 Coalition

What’s next

Legal challenges to the EPA's rescission of the Endangerment Finding are expected to take years to resolve in the courts.

The takeaway

The EPA's decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding is a major victory for those who argue that CO2 is not a pollutant, but rather a necessary component for plant life. However, the ruling faces stiff opposition from climate change activists who believe the decision ignores scientific evidence on global warming. The outcome of the legal battles will have significant implications for federal climate policy and the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.