Posted on April 17, 2009 by Theodore Garrett
The Environmental Protection Agency has formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that threaten public health and welfare, setting in motion a process to regulate carbon dioxide and other gases associated with global warming. This announcement comes two years after the Supreme Court’s decision in Massachusetts v. EPA. The Agency said the science supporting its so-called endangerment finding was “compelling and overwhelming.” The ruling triggers a 60-day comment period before any proposed regulations governing emissions of greenhouse gases are published. Lisa P. Jackson, EPA’s Administrator, said: “This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations.
Fortunately, it follows President Obama’s call for a low-carbon economy and strong leadership in Congress on clean energy and climate legislation.” EPA’s announcement does not include specific targets for reducing greenhouse gases or new requirements for energy efficiency in vehicles, power plants or industry sources. Such new restrictions would be developed in subsequent rule-making or in legislation enacted by Congress. EPA’s announcement stated that “[n]otwithstanding this required regulatory process, both President Obama and Administrator Jackson have repeatedly indicated their preference for comprehensive legislation to address this issue and create the framework for a clean energy economy.”
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