EPA Scraps Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and Emissions Standards for Vehicles

By MELINDA TOMAINO

The Trump Administration’s GHG policy reversal may lead to lower price tags for new vehicles with unknown impacts on fuel costs.

On Feb. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reversed the 2009 endangerment finding for greenhouse gases and thereby eliminated the basis of their authority to set related emissions standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and engines.

The final rule rescinds the standards for model year 2012 through those set for beyond model year 2027. In coming years, contractors may see lower sticker prices for newer vehicles. However, it is unclear whether manufacturers will continue fuel saving measures absent the standards.

EPA estimates the move will deliver more than $1.3 trillion in regulatory relief including $2,400 off the cost for new cars and trucks. More information is on EPA’s website.

In 2009, AGC of America expressed concern about the use of the Clear Air Act to address greenhouse gas emissions, citing the potential for the entire economy to be exposed to crippling regulation beyond vehicles. EPA at the time even acknowledged that the preference was for Congress to act so that the agency did not need to.

In the intervening years, EPA has not added greenhouse gas emissions to the list of criteria pollutants: The country has so far avoided National Ambient Air Quality Standards for GHGs and subsequent impacts to permitting for new and existing facilities and transportation conformity. However, the 2009 endangerment finding has bolstered calls for more GHG regulation in lieu of market solutions and supported the Biden Administration’s “all of government” approach to climate change.

Some states and environmental groups have indicated they will file suit against the action.

For more information, please contact Melinda Tomaino, senior director of environment and sustainability for the Associated General Contractors of America.