Tesla asks EPA not to roll back emissions rules as Trump calls climate change a ‘con job’

Tesla has formally urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain current vehicle emissions standards and uphold the 2009 Endangerment Finding, a legal basis for many environmental regulations. This stance contrasts with other major automakers that support easing these rules. Tesla emphasized that the Endangerment Finding is grounded in a strong scientific record and expressed willingness to discuss ways to streamline the standards without weakening them. The request comes amid a politically charged backdrop, with President Donald Trump publicly dismissing climate change as a “con job” during a United Nations speech, despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s support for Trump’s election. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized the proposed rollbacks, warning they would severely undermine climate change efforts. Tesla’s position aligns with its mission to accelerate sustainable energy adoption and also reflects a financial incentive, as the company benefits from stricter emissions rules through the sale of regulatory credits to other automakers who fail to meet fleet emissions targets.