Trump Rescinds Endangerment Finding for Carbon Emissions

Experts say direct effects of climate change are worsening, but indirect effects like extreme weather have not worsened globally.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump has rescinded the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding that carbon emissions are a threat to public health and welfare. While global temperatures have risen by 1°C over the past 50 years, the data shows that extreme weather events like droughts, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes have not worsened globally during that time. However, direct effects of climate change like rising sea levels could still pose serious risks, especially for coastal communities.

Why it matters

The endangerment finding has been a key legal basis for the EPA to regulate carbon emissions from power plants, vehicles, and oil/gas operations. Trump's move to rescind it could weaken climate regulations and protections, even as the direct impacts of global warming continue to worsen.

The details

In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA should regulate carbon emissions as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The EPA then issued an endangerment finding in 2009, determining that these greenhouse gas emissions threaten public health and welfare. This finding has underpinned many of the Obama and Biden administrations' climate regulations. However, Trump has now rescinded the endangerment finding, calling it "one of the greatest scams in history" despite scientific evidence showing rising global temperatures.

  • In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA should regulate carbon emissions.
  • In 2009, the EPA issued an endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions.
  • In 2024, the EPA finalized rules to address emissions from power plants, transportation, and oil/gas operations.
  • On February 13, 2026, President Trump rescinded the endangerment finding.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who rescinded the EPA's endangerment finding for carbon emissions.

EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which issued the 2009 endangerment finding and has regulated carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act.

Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the EPA should regulate carbon emissions as air pollutants.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“one of the greatest scams in history”

— Donald Trump (Forbes)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

While the direct effects of climate change like rising sea levels pose serious risks, the data shows the indirect effects like extreme weather events have not worsened globally despite rising temperatures. This complicates the urgency to reduce carbon emissions, though they remain a significant threat that requires continued regulation and action.