Breaking! EPA to Regulate Greenhouse Gases
Coming across the wire from the Washington Post:
The Environmental Protection Agency today plans to propose regulating greenhouse gas emissions on the grounds that these pollutants pose a danger to the public’s health and welfare, according to several sources who asked not to be identified.
The move, coming almost exactly two years after the Supreme Court ordered the agency to examine whether emissions linked to climate change should be curbed under the Clean Air Act, would mark a major shift in the federal government’s approach to global warming.
According to a congressional aide who’s been briefed on EPA’s proposal, the agency indicates its preference for legislative action in the finding itself. But the endangerment finding also makes a broader case that the U.S. must act to limit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, according to the aide, saying the science underlying its determination is “compelling and overwhelming.”
The agency also is planning to include a “cause or contribute” finding for cars, which implies that not only are greenhouse gases dangerous in general, but that such emissions from cars and trucks are reasonably likely to contribute to climate change.
What’s the over/under on the first Rethug screaming that the guv’mint is taking away their rights to despoil the planet?
This is big, folks, and it’s proof that elections matter.
This should be viewed with care, the nuclear industry is trying to pawn off they plants a clean and green. The truth is that nuclear power is a huge polluter at the front end and the back end fuel cycle
My only concern is DV. Someone better get him some Gas-X or Beano, pronto, lest he be in violation of Federal regulations!!!
If this were “over there” on DP, I’d expect instant indignation from Frank Knotts, “Rich,” and David A. INSTANT, I tell you, INSTANT!
When will the FDA regulate Tobacco/Nicotine? By far the biggest killer of them all.
Climate change is important but the pollution/public health aspect is more critical.
Mike Protack
This is really excellent news. A serious cap and trade bill would be better, but this is an excellent start while everyone does their positioning. CAA regulations would impose emissions performance targets for modified or new sources — and autos, powerplants, certain types of factories would be the first up for regulation. But as good as this is, the owners of the facilities that would have to meet these new targets will likely find it well worth their while to litigate their targets and the CAA authority and a bunch of other BS before much gets implemented.