Krista McIntyre Explains Compliance Responsibilities After EPA Repeal of Endangerment Finding

In an article for Reuters Legal News, environmental lawyer Krista McIntyre looks at the implications for businesses of the recent repeal by the President and EPA of the 2009 endangerment finding that labeled greenhouse gases as a public health threat. Although this is a major policy shift, it does not immediately change corporate compliance obligations. Existing climate‑related regulations remain in force because the repeal will face lengthy litigation, likely accompanied by court stays, and any eventual rollbacks must go through full administrative procedures.

If the repeal is upheld, EPA would begin rolling back federal vehicle and engine GHG emissions standards, which directly relied on the endangerment finding. Other greenhouse gas rules—such as those covering power plants, oil and gas operations, emissions reporting, and new source review—are authorized under different parts of the Clean Air Act. They are not automatically overturned, but the repeal could prompt efforts to weaken them.

Regardless of federal actions, businesses must continue to comply with state climate regulations, international requirements, and market expectations from investors and consumers. These forces ensure climate governance and disclosure remain ongoing obligations.

The repeal highlights the increasing risk of regulatory disruption, in which rapid political shifts create uncertainty, complicate compliance planning, and stretch internal resources. McIntyre advises companies to maintain strong compliance programs, invest in long‑term climate resilience, and rely on active board oversight to navigate changing external conditions. While significant, the repeal does not alter current compliance duties, and steady, consistent climate‑related governance remains essential for protecting long‑term value.

Read “EPA repeals endangerment finding: Now what?” published February 24, 2026.