United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Why in the News? U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On February 12, 2026, the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced what they are calling the “single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.”

The core of this news is the formal repeal of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding.

The Endangerment Finding was the legal and scientific “Holy Grail” that allowed the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. By repealing it, the administration is effectively dismantling the federal government’s authority to set climate-related emissions standards for vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources.

Key Points of the Announcement:

• Repeal of the “Endangerment Finding”: The EPA has rescinded the 17-year-old scientific determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. This removes the legal foundation for nearly all federal climate regulations.

• Massive Cost Savings (Claimed): The administration claims this move will save American taxpayers and consumers over $1.3 trillion by eliminating regulatory requirements for measuring and reporting emissions. They estimate a savings of roughly $2,400 per new vehicle.

• Elimination of Vehicle Standards: All federal GHG emission standards for vehicles and engines for model years 2012 through 2027 (and beyond) have been eliminated.

• Axing the “Obama Switch”: Administrator Zeldin specifically targeted the auto start-stop feature (which shuts off the engine at red lights to save fuel), calling it a “climate participation trophy” and removing the regulatory credits that incentivized automakers to include it.

• Restoring “Consumer Choice”: The policy is framed as a way to lower the cost of gas-powered cars and trucks and end what the administration calls “forced transitions” to electric vehicles (EVs).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal executive agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.

It was established on December 2, 1970, by President Richard Nixon in response to growing public concern about rampant pollution, such as smog-filled cities and burning rivers (like the Cuyahoga River fire).

Core Responsibilities:

The EPA functions as the nation’s “environmental watchdog” through four main activities:

1. Developing & Enforcing Regulations: When Congress passes environmental laws (like the Clean Air Act), the EPA writes the specific technical rules (regulations) to implement them. They have the power to fine or sanction companies that break these rules.

2. Scientific Research: The EPA operates 27 laboratories nationwide to study environmental issues, identify risks, and stay updated on the best science to protect public health.

3. Financial Support (Grants): Nearly half of the EPA’s budget is distributed as grants to state environmental programs, non-profits, and educational institutions to help clean up communities and fund research.

4. Education & Partnerships: They provide information to the public and work with businesses (like the Energy Star program) to encourage voluntary energy efficiency and waste reduction.

   Key Laws the EPA Administers:

• Clean Air Act (CAA): Regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.

• Clean Water Act (CWA): Regulates pollutant discharges into U.S. waters.

• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA): Protects the quality of drinking water.

• Superfund (CERCLA): Cleans up the nation’s most contaminated land and responds to environmental emergencies.