Coalition Sues to Overturn Trump's Rollback of Emissions Regulations

Legal challenge aims to block administration's move to rescind 'Endangerment Finding' on greenhouse gases

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A coalition of environmental groups has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the 'Endangerment Finding,' a key regulation that allowed the federal government to limit greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the automotive sector. The administration argues the move will lower vehicle prices, but critics say it will increase emissions and undermine U.S. efforts to combat climate change.

Why it matters

The 'Endangerment Finding' was a foundational element of U.S. climate policy, providing the legal justification for numerous federal regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Overturning this finding could lead to the rollback of other environmental rules and significantly weaken the country's ability to address climate change.

The details

The lawsuit, led by the Center for Biological Diversity and joined by groups like the American Lung Association and Sierra Club, alleges the administration's action is illegal. The case is expected to be protracted and may ultimately reach the Supreme Court, which previously upheld the 'Endangerment Finding' in a 2007 decision.

  • The 'Endangerment Finding' was originally made under the Obama administration in 2009.
  • The Trump administration announced the revocation of the 'Endangerment Finding' on February 18, 2026.
  • The coalition of environmental groups filed the lawsuit challenging the administration's decision on February 18, 2026.

The players

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental advocacy organization that is leading the lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to revoke the 'Endangerment Finding'.

American Lung Association

A health organization that has joined the lawsuit challenging the administration's rollback of the 'Endangerment Finding'.

Sierra Club

A prominent environmental organization that is part of the coalition suing the Trump administration over the revocation of the 'Endangerment Finding'.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has pledged to contest the administration's rollback of the 'Endangerment Finding' in court.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has consistently rolled back environmental regulations, including withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement.

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What’s next

The lawsuit is expected to be a protracted legal battle that could potentially reach the Supreme Court. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also pledged to contest the rollback in court.

The takeaway

The revocation of the 'Endangerment Finding' is a significant setback for U.S. climate policy, potentially leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and undermining the country's efforts to address the threat of climate change. The ongoing legal challenge aims to prevent the administration from rolling back critical environmental regulations.