Colorado Attorney General Opposes Trump Administration's Proposal to Rollback EPA's Authority to Regulate Vehicle Emissions

The Colorado Attorney General's office, led by Phil Weiser, has taken a strong stance against the Trump administration's proposal to negate the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to regulate harmful air pollution from motor vehicles. The proposal, which would undo a landmark 2009 finding that vehicle exhaust contributes to climate change and endangers public health and welfare, is deeply concerning to Attorney General Weiser. He testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, highlighting the severe consequences of ignoring scientific research and regulations that protect public health and the environment.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration's proposal would eliminate the EPA's authority to regulate vehicle emissions, undoing a landmark 2009 finding that linked vehicle exhaust to climate change and public health concerns.
• The proposal would also negate the EPA's ability to enforce vehicle emissions standards, putting at risk both physical and mental health, as well as Colorado's economy.
• Climate change, driven largely by pollution from cars and other sources, poses significant risks to Colorado's environment and economy.
• The U.S. transportation sector is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, responsible for more than 3% of all global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Motor vehicle emissions contribute to the formation of smog, fine particle pollution, and toxic air pollution, linked to premature death, respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and cancer.
• Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized the need to uphold established law and scientific evidence, rather than reversing the 2009 endangerment finding with no grounding in law or science.
• The comment period for public input on the EPA's proposal closes on September 22, 2025.

Statistics:

• The U.S. transportation sector accounts for more than 3% of all global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Motor vehicle emissions contribute to the formation of smog, fine particle pollution, and toxic air pollution.
• Attaching a high level of attention to the link between climate change and pollution in Colorado, Attorney General Weiser highlighted the increased drought and extreme wildfire danger as effects of climate change in the region.
• The comment period for public input on the EPA's proposal closes on September 22, 2025.

Sources:

• Colorado Office of the Attorney General
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Massachusetts v. EPA Supreme Court decision (PDF)