Reversing the endangerment finding, Trump’s EPA puts polluters over people
The Hill
by Byron Gudiel and Abigail Dillen, opinion contributors February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Trump administration has taken a significant step backward by repealing scientific findings that recognize greenhouse gases as a threat to public health and welfare. This decision, made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reverses earlier conclusions that established greenhouse gases as endangering human health, particularly in vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change. By downplaying the risks posed by these emissions, the administration is undermining efforts to address environmental justice and protect marginalized populations from the harsher impacts of climate change.
This move reflects a broader shift in the Trump administration's approach to environmental policy, prioritizing industry interests over public health and sustainability. The EPA's decision to repeal the endangerment finding aligns with its broader deregulatory agenda, which has included rolling back emissions standards and weakening protections for clean air and water. Critics argue that this reversal not only disregards scientific consensus but also exacerbates existing inequalities, as low-income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of pollution-related health issues.
The original endangerment finding, established in 2009 under the Obama administration, was a landmark recognition of the connection between greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on public welfare. It formed the legal basis for implementing regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, such as the Clean Power Plan. By repealing this finding, the Trump EPA is effectively eroding the legal foundation for future climate action, making it harder to enforce policies that address the root causes of climate change.
This decision has significant political implications, as it signals a continued commitment to prioritizing corporate and industrial interests over public health and environmental protection. Advocacy groups warn that this reversal could slow progress toward achieving justice for vulnerable communities and hinder efforts to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. The move also highlights the ongoing tension between partisan politics and science-based policy-making in the United States.
Ultimately, the repeal of the endangerment finding represents a step backward in the fight against climate change and a disservice to those most impacted by environmental inequality. It underscores the importance of maintaining science-driven policies that prioritize public health and environmental justice over short-term economic gains. As
Verticals
politicsnews
Originally published on The Hill on 2/14/2026