Trump, EPA's Zeldin revoke landmark climate change ruling - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Hayley Smith, Ian JamesFebruary 12, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Trump administration has overturned a landmark 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling that identified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare. This decision, made by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, marks one of the most significant deregulatory actions in U.S. history and aligns with President Trump's broader efforts to dismantle climate policies. California has vowed to sue the federal government to block this rollback, as it contradicts the state's ambitious goals to reduce emissions and combat climate change. The repeal not only eliminates foundational environmental protections but also dismantles vehicle emissions regulations, which had been in place since 2012.
The 2009 endangerment finding was based on decades of scientific evidence linking greenhouse gas emissions to rising temperatures and severe weather events like wildfires, floods, and heatwaves. This ruling formed the basis for federal regulation of six greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, ensuring a coordinated national response to climate change. By revoking this finding, the administration claims it will reduce regulatory costs, lower vehicle prices, and save consumers
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/12/2026