Updated 5/1/2026

In 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a rule under the Clean Air Act known as the Endangerment Finding, which found that greenhouse gases and climate change pose a threat to public health and the environment. The Endangerment Finding provided a legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Greenhouse gas emissions fuel climate change and its myriad impacts on the Bay watershed, including rising sea levels that cause loss of wetlands and dangerous flooding for communities across the watershed.

The Endangerment Finding supported regulations that helped fight climate change and its harm to people and the environment. CBF has actively engaged in advocacy and restoration to combat climate change impacts across the watershed. In February 2026, EPA issued a rule rescinding the Endangerment Finding and Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards (“Repeal Rule”). In April 2026, CBF joined a coalition of organizations from across the country challenging the Repeal Rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. CBF’s case was consolidated with multiple other appeals. A briefing schedule has not been issued by the court.

Press Statement: Climate Protection Rollbacks Threaten People and the Chesapeake Bay

CBF is represented in this case by counsel from Earthjustice and Director of Litigation Ariel Solaski.