Context & The Gist
The article reports on the Trump administration’s rollback of the Obama-era “Endangerment Finding” by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This decision, described as the biggest deregulatory move in American history, effectively removes the scientific basis for regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This action signals a shift towards prioritizing fossil fuels and a rejection of established climate science, bucking the global trend towards climate mitigation.
The core issue is the USEPA’s decision to no longer be guided by scientific knowledge regarding the harm caused by GHGs, effectively dismantling regulations aimed at reducing emissions from automobiles, power plants, and oil/gas wells.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Rollback of Regulations: The Trump administration has reversed the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which obligated the USEPA to regulate GHGs based on scientific evidence of their harm.
- Prioritization of Fossil Fuels: The decision is presented as a “vote of confidence” for climate-disrupting fossil fuels, signaling a shift away from renewable energy incentives.
- Contradiction of Global Trends: This rollback contrasts with the increasing global adoption of renewable energy and mitigation efforts.
- Impact on Transport Sector: Reduced pressure on automakers to transition to EVs and scaling back of subsidies for EVs and renewables will likely increase GHG emissions from the transport sector, the largest source in the US.
- Role of Misinformation: The article acknowledges waning enthusiasm for net-zero targets in developed countries, attributing it partly to misinformation and a failure to communicate the economic benefits of sustainability.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper III: Environment - Climate Change, Pollution Control, Environmental Legislation.
- GS Paper II: Polity & Governance - Role of regulatory bodies, impact of policy changes.
- GS Paper II: International Relations - US climate policy and its impact on global climate governance.
Prelims Data Bank
- Endangerment Finding (2009): An EPA determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare, providing the legal basis for regulating them under the Clean Air Act.
- Clean Air Act (US): Landmark US federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
- Green Climate Fund (GCF): Established within the framework of the UNFCCC, it aims to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): An international treaty negotiated in 1992, forming the basis for international climate negotiations.
Mains Critical Analysis
The USEPA’s rollback represents a significant setback for global climate action. Using a PESTLE framework:
- Political: The decision reflects a deliberate policy shift under the Trump administration, prioritizing short-term economic gains (for the fossil fuel industry) over long-term environmental sustainability.
- Economic: While proponents argue deregulation boosts economic growth, the long-term economic costs of climate change (extreme weather events, health impacts) are likely to outweigh any short-term benefits.
- Social: The rollback undermines public health by increasing pollution and exacerbating climate-related health risks. It also fuels skepticism towards climate science.
- Technological: The decision hinders the development and adoption of clean technologies, slowing the transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Legal: The rollback is likely to face legal challenges, potentially leading to protracted court battles.
- Environmental: The most direct impact is increased GHG emissions, contributing to global warming and its associated environmental consequences.
A critical gap lies in the failure to effectively communicate the economic opportunities associated with a sustainable transition. The narrative often focuses on the costs of mitigation rather than the benefits of a green economy.
Value Addition
- Paris Agreement: The US initially withdrew from the Paris Agreement under Trump but rejoined under Biden. This rollback signals a potential reversal of that commitment.
- Massachusetts v. EPA (2007): A landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, forming the basis for the Endangerment Finding.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): An initiative launched by India and France to promote solar energy, which could be impacted by reduced US engagement in climate governance.
Context & Linkages
US exit from global climate governance can be an opportunity
This past article highlights the broader trend of the US withdrawing from international climate governance under Trump. The current rollback of the Endangerment Finding is a continuation of that isolationist approach, potentially creating a vacuum for other nations to lead on climate action.
Inward turn: on the U.S.’s impending plunge into isolationism
This article foreshadowed the US’s retreat from global cooperation, including on climate change. The current decision reinforces this trend, potentially weakening international efforts to address climate change and allowing other countries to fill the leadership void.
On climate, India, China are doing their fair share
This article provides a contrasting perspective, showcasing the progress made by India and China in renewable energy. The US rollback underscores the need for greater ambition from developed countries to meet global climate goals, and highlights the potential for emerging economies to take a leading role.
The Way Forward
- Strengthen International Cooperation: Other nations must step up their climate commitments and work together to fill the void left by the US.
- Promote Green Technologies: Invest in research and development of clean technologies and incentivize their adoption.
- Enhance Climate Communication: Effectively communicate the economic benefits of sustainability and address misinformation about climate change.
- Legal Challenges: Environmental groups should pursue legal challenges to the rollback, arguing that it violates the Clean Air Act and endangers public health.
- Subnational Action: Encourage states and cities within the US to continue pursuing climate-friendly policies despite the federal government’s inaction.