In 2025, the United States withdrew from the Paris climate Agreement for the second time.

Then, in early 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the single largest climate deregulation measure in history.

While we all enjoy some fresh air, those tasked with maintaining their freshness seem to be turning up the heat.

But why is this happening?

And what are the new findings that justify the EPA's decision?

Let's look at what happened... On President Trump's first day of his second term, he called on the EPA to review the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding.

The study, based on overwhelming evidence from EPA's own experts, found that there were six greenhouse gases or GHGs that threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.

This was the legal basis for all federal greenhouse gas regulations under the Clean Air Act.

Then, in February 2026, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin rescinded the endangerment finding.

According to documents released by the EPA shortly after the decision, this should allow automakers to make vehicles cheaper, saving Americans around $2,400 on new cars and trucks.

The agency also says “Using the same types of models utilized by the previous administrations and climate change zealots.

EPA now finds that even if the US were to eliminate all GHG emissions from all vehicles, there would be no material impact on climate change.” But is that true?

To find out, let's look at the model they are referring to.

The model for the assessment of greenhouse gas induced climate change, or MAGICC for short, is a widely trusted tool that has been used by scientists for years to measure the impact GHGs have on the environment.

Looking strictly at the numbers, the data itself hasn't changed from previous estimates, only the conclusions drawn from them have.

The impact of reducing vehicle emissions to zero in the United States would only reduce global warming by 0.013 degrees by the year 2050.

While this IS a drop in the bucket compared to the Paris Agreements 1.5 degree target, transportation still makes up a sizable portion of the total emissions from nearly every country, including the United States.

In 2024 cars and trucks alone accounted for around 17% of GHG emissions in the U.S., totaling about 850 million metric tons.

That's almost as much as Japan's TOTAL emissions that same year.

The worldwide nature of this issue is the reason why nearly every nation on the planet has agreed to the Paris Climate Agreement.

The final rule from the EPA argues that they lack the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

This interpretation will surely be settled in the courts, as 24 states have already formed a coalition to sue the agency.

If you would like to learn more about the congressionally approved powers given to administrative agencies like the EPA, check out our video on the administrative state online.

Simple Civics.

Brought to you in part by the Indiana State Teachers Association.