Constitutional Law

EPA Pushes Rule For Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency is finally moving forward on a rule to require an array of industries to monitor and report on their greenhouse gas emissions. In 2007, Congress ordered the EPA to fashion such a rule, but it was scuttled by the Bush administration. In a March 10 press release, the EPA announced a proposed rule for a 'comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.'

The proposed rule would require producers of chemicals, oil, iron, steel, coal and automobiles to report on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas sources, such as methane, hydroflurocarbons and nitrous oxide, reported The New York Times.

EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson said, 'Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information. Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment – all without placing an onerous burden on our nation's small businesses.'

The EPA's press statement said that about '13,000 facilities, accounting for about 85 percent to 90 percent of greenhouse gases emitted in the United States, would be covered under the proposal.' The agency, which is developing the rule pursuant to the Clean Air Act, said the proposed rule would be open for public comment for 60 days during which time two public hearings would be conducted.

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) lauded the EPA for proposing a rule that would 'provide the framework for federal regulation of global warming pollution.'

David Doniger, policy director the NRDC's climate center, said the new administration 'clearly recognizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.'

Full post as published by ACS Blog on March 10, 2009 (boomark / email).