Obama Administration EPA Recognizes the Science, Opens Door for National Climate Regulations

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Statement by Eli Hopson, Union of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON (April 17, 2009) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today officially declared that global warming emissions are pollutants that endanger public health and welfare. The move will allow the agency to regulate heat-trapping emissions from power plants and automobiles under the Clean Air Act.

Below is a statement by Eli Hopson, a Union of Concerned Scientists Washington representative:

"The EPA today officially acknowledged the massive body of scientific research that shows that climate change is harming our health and environment. Heat waves, the spread of tropical diseases, and worsening air quality are all climate-related threats the EPA can help address.

"The EPA needs to establish strong emission reduction policies that complement the energy and climate legislation we expect Congress to pass this year. At the same time, the federal government must allow states to pursue their own aggressive renewable energy and clean car policies.

"By working with Congress to ensure that strong standards are coupled with a comprehensive economywide cap on emissions, the Obama administration can ensure that we reduce the risks of global warming while saving consumers money."

BACKGROUND ON THE ENDANGERMENT FINDING

The Bush administration refused to issue this endangerment finding despite the fact the Supreme Court directed it to do so. Political appointees ignored and deliberately suppressed scientific analysis from EPA scientists urging them to act.

The Clean Air Act allows the EPA to regulate major sources of global warming emissions. These sources include power plants and vehicles, which together generate more than half of the heat-trapping emissions produced in the United States.

Source: UCS