After Years of Delay, EPA Lays Foundation for Regulation of Global Warming Pollution

Washington (March 10, 2009) – EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson today issued proposed emissions reporting that will provide the framework for federal regulation of global warming pollution. Congress ordered EPA to establish monitoring and inventory rules for greenhouse gas emissions in 2007, but action was blocked by the Bush administration.

With this announcement, Administrator Jackson is demonstrating that the EPA will move forward with a system for reporting the emissions of heat-trapping pollution by all major polluters in the United States. EPA estimates that the new reporting requirements will cover 85 to 90 percent of U.S. global warming pollution from major industries and transportation.

Following is a statement by David Doniger, policy director for the climate center for the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“The EPA is laying the foundation for strong action on global warming this year. Accurate monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gases will provide the vital framework for an effective program to cap and reduce America's global warming pollution.

"By moving quickly to develop regulations that had stalled under the previous administration, Administrator Lisa Jackson clearly recognizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.

"The Obama administration understands that we need strong leadership by the White House and Congress to meet our nation’s challenges – moving to a clean energy future, jumpstarting our economic recovery, and cutting global warming pollution.”

Source: The Natural Resources Defense Council