Is EPA stalling on greenhouse gas?

John Dimsdale Apr 10, 2008

TEXT OF STORY

Scott Jagow: Today in Washington, Congress will hear how the EPA plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this country. John Dimsdale reports.


John Dimsdale: One year ago, the Supreme Court ruled the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas pollution. But the agency is still studying what to do, saying it doesn’t want to harm the economy. Georgetown University law professor Lisa Heinzerling will tell the committee today the EPA is stalling.

Lisa Heinzerling: Under the Clean Air Act, they’re not allowed to say, “Well, we’re not going to do anything because it’ll be expensive.” If the science suggests that greenhouse gases are endangering us, they have to step in and do something about it, even if it costs money.

Another witness, David Doniger with the Natural Resources Defense Council, will point out the economic benefits of attacking climate change.

David Doniger: There’s actually lots of opportunity here for new businesses to make money selling the solutions to curbing the pollution that causes global warming.

Democrats want to limit U.S. carbon emissions to as little as 60% of current levels by the year 2050.

In Washington, I’m John Dimsdale for Marketplace.

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