In 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made headlines by repealing a key regulation that allowed the government to control greenhouse gas emissions. This move is viewed as one of the largest deregulatory actions in U.S. history.
The original rule, established in 2009, identified six major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, as harmful to health and the environment. It legally backed efforts to limit emissions from cars, trucks, and power plants. Over the years, this led to various regulations shaping vehicle design and fuel economy.
Why did the EPA repeal it now? Officials argued that the initial science behind the regulation was flawed and that earlier climate predictions may have been overly grim. They stated that it was time for Congress, not federal agencies, to set significant climate policies.
However, many experts strongly disagreed. Critics argue that this rollback removes crucial protections for public health and the environment, undermining efforts to combat climate change. The EPA claims this repeal could save more than $1.3 trillion by reducing compliance costs for automakers, potentially lowering vehicle prices.
As of 2025, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions saw a surprising uptick of 2.4%. This change came after years of decline driven by cleaner energy and better transportation options. Factors contributing to the rise included colder winters increasing heating demand and a surge in electricity usage due to data centers and cryptocurrency mining. However, transportation emissions remained somewhat stable partly due to the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Despite these setbacks, the EV market thrived in 2025. Sales of battery-electric vehicles increased by over 10% in early 2025, with EVs marking 7.5% of new car registrations. By the year’s end, EV sales shot up nearly 30%, achieving a market share of 10.5%. Yet, traditional combustion engines still dominated, showing that full market transformation hasn’t occurred yet.
Experts believe the future of emissions control will be shaped by a combination of litigation, state policies, and corporate sustainability efforts. Some states are already pushing ahead with their carbon standards and EV incentives, creating a patchy landscape of climate regulations across the country.
The upcoming years present a challenging path, as the U.S. strives to balance economic growth, innovation, and climate responsibilities. As the debate continues over deregulation versus climate action, the choices made will have lasting consequences for public health and environmental quality.
For further insights, the EPA offers resources here.
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