Historic Global Warming Ruling: Government Can Regulate Emissions

Historic news - the Supreme Court ruled (5-4) that the federal government has the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate America’s global warming pollution.

The Massachusetts v. EPA ruling affirms what all environmentalists believed for a long time:  carbon dioxide is a pollutant and the EPA should exercise its existing authority to reduce global warming emissions.

Frank O’Donnell of Clean Air Watch writes, “The Supreme Court has confirmed that carbon dioxide can be controlled under the Clean Air Act. That means California and other states have the clear right to limit greenhouse gas emissions if the Bush administration won’t.”

As groundbreaking as this ruling is, it does not REQUIRE the EPA to take action.  That is why we need Congress to pass a strong national cap on America’s global warming pollution.

Hat tip to Environmental Action and Thinkprogress.

by
Erin Swanson
ESwanson@enviance.com