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USA - Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule to repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Key aspects of the proposal include:
- Legal Basis: The EPA argues that Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not authorize the agency to set emission standards aimed at addressing global climate change concerns.
- Rescission of Prior Findings: The EPA proposes to rescind the 2009 findings that GHG emissions from new motor vehicles and engines contribute to air pollution harmful to public health or welfare.
The rescission is based on claims that the 2009 findings involved an unreasonable analysis of the scientific record and that new developments question the findings' reliability.
- Technology Feasibility: The EPA contends that no available vehicle or engine emission control technologies can address the global climate change issues identified in the findings without potentially creating significant risks to public health and welfare.
- Impact of Repeal: If enacted, this rule would eliminate existing GHG emission standards for all light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines.
This proposal reflects a significant departure from previous GHG-focused regulatory policies and raises questions about the EPA’s role in addressing climate change under the Clean Air Act.
Source Link:
G/TBT/N/USA/2229