Trump Repeals Landmark Climate Regulation, Sparking Lawsuits

Green groups and California's governor vow legal action over rollback of EPA's endangerment finding.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Trump administration has finalized the repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding, a key regulation that allowed the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This move, described by Trump as the 'largest deregulatory action in American history,' has prompted immediate legal threats from environmental groups and California's governor.

Why it matters

The endangerment finding was the legal foundation for many of the EPA's climate change regulations. Its repeal could significantly limit the federal government's ability to address greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change through regulation.

The details

On Thursday, the EPA finalized the rescission of the endangerment finding, which had enabled the agency to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The Trump administration argued this action will save Americans over a trillion dollars. However, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and groups like the Environmental Defense Fund have vowed to challenge the decision in court, claiming it is 'lawless' and not supported by evidence.

  • The EPA finalized the repeal of the endangerment finding on February 13, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who oversaw the repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who has threatened to sue the Trump administration over the repeal.

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

An environmental group that has stated it will challenge the decision in court.

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What they’re saying

“California will fight this lawless action in court”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Twitter)

“EDF will challenge this decision in court, where evidence matters, and keep working with everyone who wants to build a better, safer and more prosperous future”

— Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF Statement)

What’s next

Additional lawsuits are expected from other environmental groups challenging the repeal of the endangerment finding.

The takeaway

The repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding represents a major rollback of federal climate regulations, sparking legal battles between the Trump administration and environmental advocates who argue the decision is not supported by evidence and will undermine efforts to address climate change.