EPA Proposes Rescinding 2009 Endangerment Finding and Related Vehicle Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed to review and possibly reverse the 2009 Endangerment Finding decision under the Clean Air Act. This finding originally determined that new motor vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions endangered public health and welfare and contributed to air pollution.

The 2009 Endangerment Finding gave the EPA authority to control greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles and engines under the Clean Air Act. As a result, vehicle emission regulations were put in place in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.

If the current proposal is approved, the EPA will reexamine the legal and scientific foundation for the conclusion made back in 2009, as well as the related vehicle emission limits. These limits required greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks to be reduced and resulted in programs promoting electric vehicles and other initiatives aimed at combatting climate change. If this proposal is finalized and the 2009 finding is reversed, the existing vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards will be repealed.

Why This Matters

The revision of the 2009 Endangerment Finding may have wide-ranging effects on:

• Federal vehicle emission standards.
• Electric vehicle mandates and incentives.
• Climate and transportation regulations at the state level.
• Manufacturing and compliance standards for the automotive industry.

Stay Informed

Public involvement is crucial in the regulatory process. Interested parties are encouraged to read the new EPA proposal and learn about the proposed changes. To access the proposal, see Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194.

The EPA is accepting written public comments on the proposal until September 15, 2025. Written public comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, by email to a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov (including the docket ID in the subject line), by mail, or via hand delivery.

Virtual public hearings are scheduled on August 19 and August 20, 2025 regarding this proposal. You may register to attend either of these hearings through August 20. However, note that pre-registration is required by August 12, 2025 if you plan to testify at the hearings. To register or pre-register, email EPA-MobileSource-Hearings@epa.gov.

For more information regarding the proposed rule and how to comment, visit the EPA’s official page.

How Walden Can Help

Walden’s air quality experts actively track regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions and other air permitting requirements. If you have questions on EPA’s proposed reconsideration or any other air quality issues, contact us today at 516-559-6976.