Trump’s Reckless Deregulation: What the Endangerment Finding Repeal Means for Oregon

On February 12, 2026, the federal government delivered a significant blow after over a year of sucker punches to climate protections. Standing alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at the Roosevelt Room podium, Trump formally repealed the endangerment finding - the scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health. The endangerment finding is the legal basis for the Clean Air Act, and for the U.S. government to regulate pollution that harms communities and accelerates climate change .

Simply put, the move is one of the most reckless deregulatory acts in U.S. history, driven by the type of climate denialism that's hard to fathom in 2026. It's an affront to science, with the potential to undo decades of progress - all to line the pockets of Big Oil executives at the expense of people like you and me.

Right now, two things are clear:

1. The repeal will be challenged in court, and will likely make its way to the Supreme Court. Already, our partners in the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have filed a lawsuit challenging the ruling. (OEC is also working with NRDC on a separate lawsuit against the IRS ).
2. If the repeal holds up in court, fighting for strong, state-level environmental protections will be more important than ever.

Oregon Can't Afford to Wait

We're already feeling the impacts of climate change in Oregon first-hand. Summers are hotter, droughts are longer, and wildfires ravage communities every year. At the same time, we're seeing more and more Oregonians rise up to fight back against environmental attacks. This session, over 200 concerned citizens of all walks of life - from high school students to pastors - showed up at the State Capitol, testifying in support of the Climate Resilience Superfund Bill. And their voices made a difference: not long after, the bill passed out of committee and into Ways and Means for the first time in state history.

With federal authority to regulate pollution on the chopping block, states like ours have an unprecedented responsibility to lead at this moment in time. We must continue to fight for a livable climate, clean and just transportation, toxic-free environments, and plentiful water - not just for the health and safety of Oregon communities, but also to set an example. It's on us to show the world that meaningful change is still possible, even when our federal leaders walk away.

Get Involved

Now's the time to be louder than ever and hold our state leaders accountable for filling in the gap left by the endangerment findings' repeal. Here are the two best ways to get involved:

1. Sign up for our action alert emails for opportunities to make your voice heard during the legislative session and beyond.
2. Become an OEC member . Our movement is powered by people like you. Your support will allow us to keep showing up, time and time again, to fight for state-level change.

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