Last week, speaking in Ypsilanti Michigan, President Trump vowed to get rid of job-killing regulations of the auto industry. The regulations he is talking about are a set of rules put out by two agencies under the Obama administration in 2012 requiring automakers to control the gas emissions of new autos. These rules were up for reconsideration (a “midterm review”) by April 2018, but in early 2017, before leaving office, Obama worked with the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize the midterm review early. Generally, in order to repeal a final executive agency decision, the agency would have to undergo lengthy formal procedures, but President Trump is seeking an alternative way out: by claiming the midterm review of January 2017 is not valid.
This week’s infographic explains the various laws and regulations relevant to President Trump’s argument, as well as potential for court disputes around the issue. We also point out a novel argument in a live court case that could place a constitutional obligation on the government to provide a clean environment. See this week’s infographic here. And check out our Mapping Current Events main page to see our infographics on other topics.
