Trump Administration Rescinds Climate Regulations Amid Judicial Climate Guide Controversy
The Trump administration is set to repeal an Obama-era finding on greenhouse gas emissions, a cornerstone for climate regulations across the country, and marks the administration's most significant rollback of climate policies to date. This move coincides with a controversy involving the Federal Judicial Center's decision to remove a climate-centric section from its scientific-evidence guide for judges, following accusations of liberal bias.
Background and Context
The Obama administration's 2009 endangerment finding
identified six greenhouse gases posing a threat to public health and welfare.
This finding was used to justify climate regulations such as raising fuel economy standards and limiting power plant emissions. The Trump administration's repeal of this finding has been hailed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin as the largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States.
Meanwhile, the Federal Judicial Center's Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, regularly published as an influential guide for judges, recently saw the removal of its climate policy chapter. Critics have accused the chapter of being gleaned from left-wing climate advocates and serving to indoctrinate rather than educate judges.
Key Developments
The repeal of the endangerment finding and the removal of the climate chapter from the Judicial Center's guide represent significant developments in the U.S.'s approach to climate change. These actions have been celebrated by conservative activists who have worked for over a decade to halt government efforts to combat climate change.
Federal Judge Robin Rosenberg, who leads the Federal Judicial Center, alerted West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey that the climate policy chapter has been removed from the guide. The final rule on the endangerment finding repeal is set to be made public later this week and is expected to eliminate certain requirements.
Reactions and Implications
These actions have been met with criticism, with accusations that they will lead to more pollution and higher energy costs. Trump's push to boost fossil fuels, coupled with his administration's moves to roll back wind and solar power, face opposition from courts, scholars, and Democrats for exacerbating the climate crisis.
Four judges, including a Trump appointee, have issued temporary injunctions against interior department moves to halt work on offshore wind projects in Virginia, New York, and New England. These projects have cost billions of dollars and are far along in development.
Current Status
President Trump is expected to formalize the rescission of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding later this week, alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Critics warn that these actions represent a significant setback in the fight against climate change, while supporters view them as a victory for deregulation.