EPA Says GHG Harmful, Lays Groundwork for New MPG Standard for Light Vehicles
By Scott Doggett December 8, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today formally declared greenhouse gases to be dangerous pollutants, laying the groundwork for a new 35.5 miles-per-gallon standard for light vehicles.
That said, the finding is likely to have a greater impact on electric utilities, oil companies and manufacturers than on the auto industry.
The EPA's scientific finding reported that these gases "are the primary driver of climate change," which can intensify heat waves and increase ozone pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
"The president's appearance in Copenhagen will carry even more weight because it shows that America is taking this issue very seriously and is moving forward," said Barbara Boxer, the California Democrat who chairs the Senate Environment Committee.
Officials gather this week for the international climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, where President Obama is to make a Dec. 18 appearance. A big part of his task will be to persuade developing countries such as China and India to reduce growth in emissions.
Boxer said the EPA finding also shows that Senate support is needed for the climate change legislation she has introduced. A similar bill passed the House.
The National Association of Manufacturers said today that the EPA finding would "hurt manufacturers' competitiveness.
"The EPA is paving the way to begin regulating carbon emissions across the board, including large stationary sources such as manufacturing plants, hospitals and libraries," the group said.
In contrast, an auto industry lobbying group offered a more measured response.
"For seven long years, there was a debate over whether states or the federal government should regulate autos," said Dave McCurdy, head of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "President Obama's announcement in May ended that old debate by starting a federal rule-making."
The Obama administration proposed rules that would require cars and light trucks to attain 35.5 mpg by 2016. The rules, due to be adopted in April, would put the EPA, U.S. Department of Transportation, and California and other states on the same page.
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