Cases

Defending EPA’s Endangerment Finding and Vehicle Emissions Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency is required by law to protect us from air pollution that endangers public health and welfare — including greenhouse gases that are driving climate change. Earthjustice is holding EPA accountable to its mission by defending the Endangerment Finding and vehicle emissions standards.

Clients

Alaska Institute for JusticeCenter for Community Action and Environmental JusticeChesapeake Bay FoundationChinik Eskimo CommunityClean Air CouncilFriends of the EarthNative Village of KwinhagakNative Village of NunapitchukNortheast Organic Farming Association of New YorkPhysicians for Social ResponsibilityRio Grande International Study CenterUnion of Concerned ScientistsWE ACT for Environmental JusticeWest Virginia Highlands ConservancyWyoming Outdoor Council

Regional Office / Program

Washington, D.C. Office

Case Overview

In American Public Health Association v. EPA, Earthjustice represents 15 nonprofits and Alaskan tribes to defend the Endangerment Finding and vehicle emissions standards from the Trump administration’s attempts to repeal the rules. (Earthjustice clients filed challenges to EPA’s repeals in two filings, which are consolidated in the American Public Health docket.)

Earthjustice and partners also filed a petition for administrative reconsideration that highlights specific flaws in EPA’s repeal rule that were not available for public comment and requests that EPA reopen public comment to address them.

Earthjustice and our partners have a long history of defending these rules. In 2012, polluting industries tried to challenge EPA’s authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and other sources in Coalition for Responsible Regulation v. EPA. Earthjustice, along with other environmental organizations and states, successfully intervened to defend the Endangerment Finding from industry’s attack.

Earthjustice and our partners will continue to defend the rule of law and demand that EPA focus on protecting our health and environment.

A black-and-white photo of a multi-lane freeway filled with cars.
In 2009, EPA determined that emissions of greenhouse gases from new motor vehicles contribute to pollution that causes climate change. (Steven Worster / CC BY-ND 2.0)

Case Updates

A flock of birds fly past a smokestack of a coal-fired power plant.
September 24, 2026 feature

Guide to Public Hearing for Power Plant Climate Pollution Regulations

This is our last chance to speak directly to EPA and urge them to drop their repeal and acknowledge that climate pollution from power plants endangers our health and welfare.

Dark gray clouds of steam emerge from the top of a smokestack at night, lit by red lights on the smokestack with a dark blue sky in the background.
September 23, 2026 Action Alert

Thank you for speaking up for the climate — here’s what you can do next:

A flock of birds fly past a smokestack of a coal-fired power plant.
September 18, 2026 feature

Trump is Failing the Climate Test. Will You Pass Our Climate Quiz?

See how well you understand what the Trump administration is up to

See More

Case page created on August 16, 2010.