Trump, Lee Zeldin announce ‘largest deregulatory action in American history’

President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made a significant announcement on Thursday regarding the repeal of a 2009 policy that allowed the federal government to regulate fossil fuel emissions by deeming them harmful to public health. This decision, according to Trump, marks the largest deregulatory action in American history and is expected to result in substantial savings for American consumers.

During a press conference in the White House Roosevelt Room, President Trump declared the repeal of the so-called endangerment finding, which he described as a disastrous policy implemented during the Obama administration. He claimed that this policy had severely impacted the American auto industry and led to increased prices for consumers.

In a bold move, Trump stated, “We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers.” He emphasized that this action would eliminate unnecessary green emission standards imposed on vehicle models and engines between 2012 and 2027 and beyond.

According to Trump, the repeal of the endangerment finding could result in a significant reduction in car costs, with an average savings of nearly $3,000 per vehicle. He criticized certain auto innovations that were mandated under the policy, such as the start-stop feature that automatically shuts off a car’s engine when stopped at a red light, calling it unnecessary and burdensome for consumers.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin echoed Trump’s sentiments, referring to the repeal as the “holy grail of federal regulatory overreach.” The announcement was met with mixed reactions, with supporters applauding the move as a step towards reducing government intervention in the automotive industry, while critics expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts.

Overall, the decision to repeal the endangerment finding and eliminate additional green emission standards is expected to have far-reaching implications for the auto industry and consumers alike. The Trump administration’s focus on deregulation and reducing unnecessary burdens on businesses and consumers continues to shape its policy agenda moving forward.