EPA dragging its feet on greenhouse gases
TEXT OF STORY
MARK AUSTIN THOMAS: Senate Democrats and green activists will push the head of the EPA today to start regulating greenhouse gases. Stephen Johnson testifies before a key Senate committee this morning for the first time since a landmark Supreme Court decision on global warming. But as Sarah Gardner reports from the Marketplace Sustainability Desk, the EPA chief isn’t rushing to regulate.
SARAH GARDNER: The Supreme Court this month ruled against the EPA, saying the federal agency indeed does have the power to regulate greenhouse gases.
But in written testimony obtained by Greenwire.com, EPA administrator Stephen Johnson argues the court ruling gives his agency “significant latitude” with regard to any such regulations. He also says the EPA is still studying the issues raised by the court’s decision.
David Doniger at the Natural Resources Defense Council says Johnson is stalling.
DAVID DONIGER: We’re running out of time to stave off the worst of global warming. The EPA has the power — has always had the power — to take a big bite out of the problem. It’s time for them to act.
Johnson is called to testify today by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Chairwoman Barbara Boxer of California will press him to start regulating greenhouse gases. The NRDC’s Doniger suggests his group could sue the EPA under the Clean Air Act if the agency drags its feet.
I’m Sarah Gardner for Marketplace.
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