Trump administration officials have claimed that they are saving Americans over $1.3 trillion by ending regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. But the figure does not incorporate any benefits of the emissions standards. By one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s own calculations, getting rid of the standards could cost billions.
On Feb. 12, the EPA announced that it was revoking the 2009 endangerment finding, which allowed the agency to regulate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide that trap heat and cause climate change. Without that policy in place, the agency said it was terminating its rules that limit such pollution from vehicles. The regulation has primarily acted to increase fuel efficiency, since more efficient cars and trucks burn less gas and release less carbon pollution.
“This action will save American taxpayers over $1.3 trillion,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in the press conference announcing the policy change. “What that means is lower prices, more choices, and an end of heavy-handed climate policies. With today’s announcement, American families will save over … $2,400 for a new vehicle.”
In the same briefing, President Donald Trump and Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, also mentioned the $1.3 trillion figure. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has similarly referred to it, and in official communications, the EPA has also emphasized it.
But the $1.3 trillion is not a net total. It only includes the added cost of making cars and trucks more fuel efficient over a period of nearly three decades, without considering any of the benefits, such as reduced fuel or maintenance costs. One of the agency’s own estimates, which also ignores any health or environmental benefits, shows that repealing the policy could ultimately cost Americans $180 billion.
