By JOHN M. BRODER,New York Times
Obam's EPA sets the stage for more regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that threaten public health and welfare,setting in motion a process that for the first time in the United States will regulate the gases blamed for global warming.
The E.P.A. said the science supporting its so-called endangerment finding was “compelling and overwhelming.” The ruling triggers a 60-day comment period before any proposed regulations governing emissions of greenhouse gases are published.
Lisa P. Jackson,the E.P.A. administrator,said:“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.”