Trump set to gut US climate change policy and environmental regulations: White House official
WASHINGTON February 10, 2026 (AP) — The Trump administration is expected this week to revoke a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, according to a White House official.The Environmental Protection Agency will issue a final rule rescinding a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding. That Obama-era policy determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.
Here is the percentage of scientists that say that climate change is caused by humans
Between 97% and 99.9% of actively publishing climate scientists agree that humans are the primary cause of recent global warming. Multiple studies confirm this overwhelming consensus, with research analyzing scientific literature indicating that more than 99% of peer-reviewed papers support human-caused climate change.
The Causes of Climate Change
Over the last century, burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This increase happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO2.Who benefits from cutting these regulations:
- Key beneficiaries of removing carbon emission regulations include:
- Fossil Fuel Industry: Oil, gas, and coal companies benefit from lower compliance expenditures, such as the elimination of reporting requirements (e.g., the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program) and reduced costs for upgrading equipment to meet emissions standards.
- Manufacturing Sector: Industries with high energy consumption, such as steel and cement manufacturers, may face lower operating costs, allowing them to compete more effectively with foreign, higher-carbon products.
- Transportation and Automobile Industry: Automakers, particularly those focusing on internal combustion engines, may see lower manufacturing costs and fewer fines, while the trucking industry expects reduced logistical costs, according to the American Trucking Association.
- Small Businesses: Supporters argue that removing "burdensome" regulations will save small businesses billions in compliance costs.
- Consumers (Short-Term): Proponents argue that reducing energy regulations will lead to cheaper, more reliable, and more affordable energy for heating and transportation.
While there are some short-term economic benefits to Americans and American companies by taking down these regulations, such as tangible cost reductions, the removal of these regulations is heavily criticized by environmental and health advocates. As such, this is more about short-term political goals of Trump than it is about helping the future of our world. -
Last edited: