EPA moves toward climate change regulations

[Plato]

WASHINGTON — In a major reversal of years of government policy, the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed regulating greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.

"In both magnitude and probability, climate change is an enormous problem," concluded EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson in a 130-page report. She found that projected levels of greenhouse gases "endanger the public health and welfare of current and future generations."

The finding came two years after the Supreme Court ruled the EPA had the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.
Now the battle shifts from whether the gases should be regulated to how. The EPA's announcement puts pressure on Congress to enact its own restrictions this year, rather than leave all decisions up to the EPA.

Friday's finding, which will be finalized after a 60-day public comment period, deals with motor vehicle emissions, but environmental experts said it could eventually apply to power plants, factories and other sources. After the 60-day comment period, the EPA could begin drawing up regulations that apply to motor vehicles.

Bush administration officials for years resisted efforts to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, saying it would harm the economy.

Finally, Washington is seeing what others have overlooked in the past. The EPA is considering limiting motor vehicle emissions. Finally, Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases are actually being considered to be hazards. We might just see one of Obama's "promises" coming into play here. He did say his administration would try to make the US greener. I think it is good that the US is trying harder to go green.


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