EPA Issues Final Rule Repealing Its Regulation Of GHG Emissions From Motor Vehicles

On February 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued a final rule repealing its earlier finding made in 2009 that the emission of certain greenhouse gases ("GHGs") from motor vehicles contributes to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. On this basis, the final rule repeals all prior EPA regulation of GHG emissions from motor vehicles.

Basis for EPA's Rulemaking

The proposed rulemaking notice that EPA published in 2025 had stated EPA's tentative finding that anthropogenic GHG emissions do not contribute to global climate change. In contrast, the final rulemaking rests on a legal analysis that concludes that EPA lacks authority to regulate GHG emissions from motor vehicles.