Two years after being ordered by the US Supreme Court to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, the US EPA has presented its findings, concluding that GHGs do contribute to air pollution and have harmful effects on the economy and human health. A cap and trade system could follow soon.
This week, the US EPA marked a swift turn from climate-skeptic Bush administration as it finally showed that GHGs from new vehicles and industrial plants pose a danger to citizens. This move could set the stage for the first federal regulation of GHGs.
The EPA document concludes that “science compellingly supports a positive endangerment finding for both public health and welfare” from man-made GHG.
6 dangerous GHGs
Along with CO2, the "endangerment finding” covers five other gases warming the earth: methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
"This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations. This pollution problem has a solution – one that will create millions of green jobs and end our country’s dependence on foreign oil," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be representing the US at the G8 summit in Italy later this week.
The auto industry, plants and factories could soon be controlled by tougher emissions standards. Lisa Jackson said that although the EPA is prepared to move forward with regulations under the Clean Air Act, the Obama administration wants Congress to adopt a “cap and trade” programme which would help curtail emissions more efficiently.
A strong push towards US legislation
While the Bush administration last year ignored findings by the EPA that showed evidence of the health hazards of GHGs, the current findings are key for U.S. government to regulate climate-warming emissions under the Clean Air Act. Once the findings are published in the Federal Register, a 60-day comment period will open for anyone to voice their view on the findings and future steps.
Two public hearings will also be held for citizens to attend:
Whilst the international community will largely welcome these findings and have already sent out positive signals regarding the US desire to become a climate actor, some industries have already deemed it an additional strain. A spokesperson from the National Association of Manufacturers said regulating GHG emissions through the Clean Air Act would "further burden an ailing economy while doing little or nothing to improve the environment."
Background
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has the authority to set regulatory standards for tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles. The EPA was asked to reconsider its refusal to regulate GHGs and its inaction to set GHG emission standards had to be based on “reasoned justification” which made a future refusal more difficult.
The EPA document concludes that “science compellingly supports a positive endangerment finding for both public health and welfare” from man-made GHG.
6 dangerous GHGs
Along with CO2, the "endangerment finding” covers five other gases warming the earth: methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
"This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations. This pollution problem has a solution – one that will create millions of green jobs and end our country’s dependence on foreign oil," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be representing the US at the G8 summit in Italy later this week.
The auto industry, plants and factories could soon be controlled by tougher emissions standards. Lisa Jackson said that although the EPA is prepared to move forward with regulations under the Clean Air Act, the Obama administration wants Congress to adopt a “cap and trade” programme which would help curtail emissions more efficiently.
A strong push towards US legislation
While the Bush administration last year ignored findings by the EPA that showed evidence of the health hazards of GHGs, the current findings are key for U.S. government to regulate climate-warming emissions under the Clean Air Act. Once the findings are published in the Federal Register, a 60-day comment period will open for anyone to voice their view on the findings and future steps.
Two public hearings will also be held for citizens to attend:
- May 18th at the EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center in Arlington, VA.
- May 21st at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, WA.
Whilst the international community will largely welcome these findings and have already sent out positive signals regarding the US desire to become a climate actor, some industries have already deemed it an additional strain. A spokesperson from the National Association of Manufacturers said regulating GHG emissions through the Clean Air Act would "further burden an ailing economy while doing little or nothing to improve the environment."
Background
In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has the authority to set regulatory standards for tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles. The EPA was asked to reconsider its refusal to regulate GHGs and its inaction to set GHG emission standards had to be based on “reasoned justification” which made a future refusal more difficult.
MORE INFORMATION
Apr 22, 2009, 10:40
Related stories
PARTNERS
Sign up to our Newsletter
Fill in the details below
