The Trump administration has initiated extensive changes to U.S. climate policy, marking what the Environmental Protection Agency called "the most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history" [NPR]. These measures include eliminating federal support for renewable energy projects, removing references to human-caused climate change from government websites, and targeting foundational climate regulations.

Key Policy Changes

Among the most significant actions, the administration ended a $7 billion grant program for local solar projects and eliminated federal incentives for rooftop solar, heat pumps, and insulation that expired December 31. Tax credits for electric vehicles were terminated September 30 [NPR].

The EPA has stripped language identifying human influences as primary causes of climate change from its website and removed information about climate change risks to health, water, and infrastructure [Action on Climate]. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin also announced the cancellation of 400 environmental justice-related grants, reportedly in violation of a court order preventing the freezing of "equity-based" grants and contracts.

Targeting Core Climate Regulations

A central focus of the administration's efforts involves challenging the 2009 "endangerment finding," which designated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as dangers to public health and welfare. This finding serves as the legal foundation for many current climate policies [NPR]. Reversing this determination could facilitate the rollback of additional climate regulations.

The administration has also announced plans to eliminate tailpipe pollution standards, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rules, despite evidence that these standards help maintain lower fuel prices while their removal leads to higher consumer costs and public health risks [Action on Climate].

International Climate Commitments

The U.S. has withdrawn from a global climate treaty, leaving the country without representation in international climate negotiations [NBC News]. This withdrawal has been criticized by environmental groups as "self-sabotage" and raises legal questions about formal exit procedures [Reuters].

Energy Secretary Chris Wright characterized the administration's approach at the CERAWeek conference, stating that climate change is "a side effect of building the modern world" and pledging to "end the Biden administration's irrational, quasi-religious policies on climate change" [Action on Climate].

Global Climate Context

These policy changes occur as international climate reports indicate urgent action remains necessary. The UN Environment Programme's 2025 Emissions Gap Report shows that current global climate pledges would still result in 2.3-2.5°C of warming this century, well above the 1.5°C target considered necessary to avoid the worst climate impacts [UN Reports]. The report states that nations must cut annual emissions by 55% by 2035 to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Ongoing Developments

The EPA has also announced plans to reassess the safety of the herbicide paraquat [Reuters], while the administration continues to target various environmental regulations across multiple federal agencies. The full impact of these policy changes on U.S. climate goals and international climate commitments remains to be determined as implementation continues.