Climate change continues to be a key issue advanced by the Obama Administration. On Friday, April 17, the Environmental Protection Agency announced their proposed findings that greenhouse gases "contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare." To read the EPA news release, click here.The finding had been expected for some time, but supporters and critics identify the issuance of the finding as a significant moment in the debate on global warming. EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, had this to say:
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.According to the New York Times, many Republicans in Congress and industry spokesmen warned that regulation of carbon dioxide emissions would raise energy costs and kill jobs; Democrats and environmental advocates said the decision was long overdue and would bring long-term social and economic benefits. To read the full story, click here.
The EPA study was ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA, 549 U.S. 497 (2007), where the Court found that greenhouse gases are air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act. The Court also held that the EPA Administrator must made a determination as to whether or not emissions of greenhouse gases from certain sources could be reasonably anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. For more information from the EPA on this issue, click here.
A full copy of the EPA's proposed findings can be accessed here.
Posted: 04/20/09
