What to Know About the E.P.A.’s Big Attack on Climate Regulation

The Trump administration has repealed the scientific determination that underpins the government's legal authority to combat climate change. This decision, made by the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), effectively undermines the agency's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial tool in addressing the global climate crisis. The move comes as part of the administration's broader effort to dismantle environmental regulations and rollback policies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. By revoking the "endangerment finding," the E.P.A. has removed the legal foundation for its greenhouse gas regulations, including limits on emissions from power plants and vehicles. This decision is seen as a significant setback in the fight against climate change, as it reduces the government's capacity to implement policies and regulations that could help reduce the country's carbon footprint. Experts warn that this action could have far-reaching consequences, both domestically and globally, in the ongoing efforts to address the pressing issue of climate change.