DENVER — Colorado officials are preparing for an immediate legal battle following the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision Thursday to revoke the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the bedrock scientific determination that allowed the federal government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser slammed the move as “illegal” and “misguided,” warning it puts the state’s economy and public health in direct crosshairs. The decision marks the Trump administration’s most aggressive deregulatory action to date.
The Push for Economic Relief
The Trump administration framed the revocation as a massive win for the American consumer. In a press conference at the White House, President Donald Trump, flanked by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced the repeal would “terminate” unnecessary green mandates. The administration argues this move will save the U.S. economy over $1.3 trillion and lower the average cost of a new vehicle by nearly $3,000.
“We are repealing the ridiculous endangerment finding and terminating all additional green emission standards,” Trump said. He described the 2009 finding as “pseudoscience” used to justify burdensome regulations that have crippled the auto industry.
Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy and a Colorado native, supported the decision. He stated the repeal would allow the country to return to a “free and open dialogue” about energy policy, prioritizing data over what he termed political ideology.
Colorado Officials Strike Back
Colorado leaders wasted no time in voicing their opposition. Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is currently running for governor, confirmed his office will challenge the decision in court. Weiser argues the repeal ignores decades of established research connecting vehicle emissions to climate change and public health risks.
“There is no legal or scientific justification to roll back decades of progress,” Weiser said in a statement. “Greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles endanger public health and welfare.”
Governor Polis echoed these concerns. He emphasized that the science remains clear regardless of federal policy shifts.
“Rolling back long-standing protections creates uncertainty for consumers and businesses at a time when we should be investing in cleaner air.” — Governor Jared Polis
Analyzing the Financial Impact
While the White House touts immediate savings on sticker prices for cars, Colorado experts warn of long-term costs. Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office, disputed the administration’s economic projections. Toor called the decision a “lose-lose-lose” for residents, predicting it will actually increase expenses for families.
Potential Economic Impacts on Colorado:
- Fuel Costs: State analysis suggests consumers could spend billions more annually on gasoline due to lower efficiency standards.
- EV Market: The repeal threatens the state’s goal of placing nearly one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
- Public Health: Increased pollution could lead to higher healthcare costs related to respiratory issues.
“It is very hard to see any justification for repealing the finding,” Toor said. He noted that efficiency standards have historically driven innovation, not stifled it. According to Toor, rolling back these rules forces Coloradans to shell out more money at the pump, negating any upfront savings on vehicle purchases.
Health Stakes and Legal Precedent
The 2009 Endangerment Finding was originally established following a Supreme Court ruling (Massachusetts v. EPA) which obligated the agency to regulate pollutants if they posed a threat to public health. By revoking this, the EPA is effectively stating that greenhouse gases do not constitute such a threat.
Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, warned that vehicle exhaust remains a primary contributor to the state’s air quality challenges.
“The progress we’ve made has been driven by science,” Hunsaker Ryan said. “While we review the federal action, Colorado remains focused on providing consumers with cleaner choices.”
Environmental groups like Western Resource Advocates have joined state officials in pledging to fight the rollback. They argue that without the Endangerment Finding, the EPA abdicates its responsibility under the Clean Air Act, leaving states like Colorado vulnerable to worsening ozone levels and climate instability.
The coming months will likely see a protracted battle in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, with Colorado positioning itself as a lead plaintiff against the federal government.
