As published in the HillCo Client News Flash, the EPA found that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health. The endangerment finding triggers a requirement that the federal government regulate fossil fuel emissions under the Clean Air Act (PL 101-549) and may also put new pressure on Congress. However, the EPA finding is the first step in a lengthy proves toward regulation.
Separately, the EPA has proposed that power plants and factories that emit over 25,000 metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent gases per year install what is called the “best available control technology” to limit emissions. A study by Duke University found that large power plants, oil refineries, lime manufacturers and most paper mills would have to comply with the proposed rule. But farms, commercial buildings and most hospitals would fall outside its scope.
Gov. Rick Perry issued the following statement after the EPA announcement:
“It is unconscionable that unelected bureaucrats at the EPA have declared carbon dioxide a public danger despite a lack of scientific evidence to support their ruling. This action should be of grave concern to all Americans, especially Texans, in light of the recent “Climategate” scandal, which uncovered data had been manipulated and destroyed in order to falsely show a preordained result.”
Perry also sent a letter to Administrator Jackson on December 9th noting “revelations that climate change scientists have altered, manipulated and destroyed data,” leads to his request that the EPA immediately withdraw the endangerment finding. In his letter, Perry also points out that Texas’ carbon dioxide emissions have fallen more than nearly every other state this decade.
To view the letter and Perry’s complete argument to the EPA, please visit: http://governor.state.tx.us/files/press-office/O-JacksonLisa20091209.pdf
Additionally The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has stated in response to the EPA finding: “We’re concerned new proposed rules expected to be issued by the EPA in accordance with the finding would give the agency unprecedented power,” says NRCA Executive Vice President Bill Good. “And even if the 25,000-ton threshold withstands legal challenges, it starts the U.S. on a path where construction activity becomes increasingly subject to bureaucratic approvals. The EPA has suggested pre-permit assessments of greenhouse gas emissions for significant new construction projects; imagine what that will mean for shopping center developers or even local school boards.”
A ranking member from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has also spoken out against the EPA finding. “NAM is concerned the EPA did not seriously take into consideration any of the thousands of comments manufacturers made on this proposal,” NAM VP of energy and resources policy Keith McCoy said. “The endangerment finding will have a cascading effect on the ability of all manufacturers to grow and prosper.” The association says the EPA’s findings ignored broad industry response and would put undue burdens on manufacturers that would cost jobs and drive up the price of energy.
