EPA proposes removal of Greenhouse Gas regulations for all commercial and passenger vehicles

The Environmental Protection Agency  proposed the removal of Greenhouse Gas regulations for all vehicles, including commercial trucks, in an announcement made on Tuesday. 

The July 29th proposal suggests that the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding be rescinded. The GHG Endangerment Finding has acted as the basis for regulating emissions on vehicles for the last 15 years. Without this finding, the EPA would no longer have authority to set standards for GHG emissions. Because of this, the EPA has also proposed to remove GHG regulations for light, medium, and heavy duty vehicles. 

According to the proposed changes, engine and vehicle manufacturers would no longer be obligated to measure, control, or report GHG emissions for any vehicles or engines built in the past or future. Under the changes, regulations surrounding fuel economy testing and labeling, and pollutant and air toxins would still be in place and would not face any changes. 

“The practical application is going to be lower-cost vehicles, lower-cost consumer products, lower energy bills, and all the things Americans instinctually want,” U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said of the proposal, reported the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

“Do not listen to those haters. The sky will not fall [if this is passed],” Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “We have the cleanest air, the cleanest water.”

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has stated that he will “consider all options if EPA continues down this cynical path. We won’t stand by as our children’s future is sacrificed to appease fossil fuel interests,” insinuating that a lawsuit may be in the works regarding the proposal. 

Comments on the Greenhouse Gas regulations proposal may be submitted by truck drivers and all citizens until September 21st.