Hot air, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• President Trump revoked the 'endangerment finding', a guideline enabling the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
• The repeal weakens Obama-era fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for vehicle model years 2021-26.
• The original 'endangerment finding' followed the 2007 Supreme Court decision in Massachusetts vs EPA, classifying greenhouse gases as "air pollutants".
• The 2009 EPA concluded that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, endanger public health.

Detailed Insights:

• The 'endangerment finding' led to the first federal greenhouse gas standards in 2010 for cars and light trucks, extended through 2025, spurring investment in hybrid and electric vehicles.
• Stricter greenhouse gas emission norms influenced a global shift towards mid-sized SUVs, with manufacturers improving their emissions profile.
• Trump's actions aim to revive the 'gas guzzler' era and boost manufacturing jobs, but auto-manufacturing is now optimized around electrification and emissions controls.
• Weakening fuel efficiency standards could be used by automakers in India as a pretext to do the same, despite the importance of aligning with climate goals.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Endangerment Finding: A regulatory determination that pollutants pose a risk to public health and welfare.
• Greenhouse Gases (GHG): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
• Fuel Efficiency Standards: Regulations that set minimum requirements for the fuel economy of vehicles.