Trump rollbacks could add 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over 15 years: analysis

Rollbacks put forth by the Trump administration could cause the release of an extra 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, according to a new analysis. 

The report, from Rhodium Group noted that the excess 1.8 billion tons of what’s known as carbon dioxide equivalent would equal about one-third of the country’s total emissions from 2019. 

Carbon dioxide equivalent is a measurement used to equate various greenhouse gases based on their potential to contribute to global warming.

The Trump administration has repeatedly moved to roll back regulations that seek to curb greenhouse gas emissions and has shown little interest in trying to mitigate climate change. It has justified its rollbacks by saying that they lessen regulatory burdens on industry and contribute to economic growth. 

Some of the policies that are expected to contribute the most to these additional emissions are rolling back attempts to limit vehicle emissions by preventing California from setting its own emissions standards and loosening fuel economy requirements.

Other actions that could contribute are weakened regulations on both methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and pollution from coal-fired power plants and rescission of a regulation that would have phased out the use of greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons in appliances. 

However, many of the administration’s changes are facing court challenges and could be partially or totally struck down. They also could be undone by future presidential administrations.