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EPA: Greenhouse Gases Pose Health Threat
As expected, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared that greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health under the Clean Air Act, signaling a likely change in future emission standards.
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As expected, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared that greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health under the Clean Air Act, thus clearing the way for new emissions regulations.
The EPA finding is a crucial step in completing new emissions standards for autos due by March 30, 2010. The rules, which would begin to phase in for the 2012 model year, would require new vehicles to average 35.5 mpg by 2016. Yesterday's ruling also would allow the agency to limit CO2 emissions from power plants and factories. The White House has warned that the EPA will impose regulations unless Congress passes its own emissions legislation.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in April 2007 that the EPA must regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants or explain a decision not to do so.
The EPA finding, which comes as world leaders are convening a global climate change summit in Copenhagen, is seen as a signal from the Obama administration that it is committed to reducing greenhouse gases. Critics charge that the cost of regulations could strangle economic growth.
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