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What do you think of the EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health?

Why the EPA's Finding Matters

It means that clamping down on carbon spewing companies and vehicles is a real possibility. Yet it's important to bear in mind that this is just an endangerment finding—it does not give the EPA the authority to begin regulating greenhouse gases. It does, however, allow that option to become legally feasible. Why?

Because just over two years ago, the US Supreme Court found that greenhouse gases are air pollutants and are therefore covered under the 2002 Clean Air Act—and open to be regulated as other dangerous pollutants are--the EPA just had to confirm the finding, which it never did. Until now. This is one reason that this listing is such a momentous occasion—now Obama has legal grounds to regulate carbon emissions generated by polluting industries and motor vehicles. Or, at least a major bargaining chip in pushing for legislation that would regulate CO2 less stringently.

In other words, this is a giant step in the fight against global warming.

Opinions?

8 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It's a long time coming. 2 years ago the (conservative) Supreme Court ruled that the EPA had to regulate greenhouse gases, and they dragged their feet until the Bush Administration was out of office. This is the Environmental Protection Agency. They should have been regulating CO2 for years, not waiting for the Supreme Court to tell them to do it and then dragging their feet for another 2 years.

    I'm glad the EPA is finally starting to protect the environment again.

  • 1 decade ago

    I think, you don't know what you bought into. When you, like I said yes, it is good for the EPA to monitor and restrict or control the output of greenhouse gases from cars. What we did not know, was the bottom pinning of the regulation, if the EPA finds 'A', then they can apply it to 'B,C and D'. I nor I think you (hopefully) intended it to apply to plants we grow for food or the animals we grow for food. Under the findings of the court, the EPA is allowed to do this. Congress and the Senate are now proposing regulations which would prevent the EPA from such a broad expansion of powers and the ability to tax or license in such a broad effort as the things which are indicated under the court ruling. The EPA has taken its own in-house measures to stem the tide of regulation to limit the powers they hold. However, once the realization has set in an exactly how much damage can be done by this organization with the expansions they seek. Personally, I think the congress and senate need to proceed with the regulation to limit the EPA's application and self expansion of its authorities.

    I did not include all the sites pertaining to this, but you can find them if you look.

    If you really are for the EPA and the full ramifications of what may ensue, hell of a plan you have there. I am sure it will be good for the planet and us. Who will choose which portion of the population is exterminated to meet it.

    Overall, my opinion is that the EPA is presenting a very narrow and limited study, while it may be wide in scope, it presents little in comparison of what occurs naturally. It is really scary what this portends for my grandchildren.

  • 1 decade ago

    From my perspective in Europe this is a massive change compared to the almost denial stance of a few years ago. If anything US involvement will actually have a much bigger imact on the global response. If it is going to make US products [slightly] more expensive then I am sure that the US will make other countries tow the line so as to keep that free-market level playing field.

    Go Obama go, we love you!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    It's sure to be 'denied' by the determined "deniers" on here. They would deny the Earth is round if it helped their cause !

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  • PhuQue
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    uhh in case you haven't noticed the world is flat and before we are done the universe will be flat despite all our good intentions it never fails that we find ourselves standing in our own ****.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    About time. I mean lock your self in an airtight room and the CO2 will kill you.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    EPA is run by morons and idiots that failed 3rd grade science.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I think: It's about time.

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