WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court rebuked the Bush administration Monday for its inaction on global warming in a decision that could lead to more fuel- efficient cars as early as next year. The court, in a 5-4 ruling in its first case on climate change, declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate those emissions from new cars and trucks under the landmark environment law, and the ‘laundry list’ of reasons it has given for declining to do so are insufficient, the court said. ‘A reduction in domestic emissions would slow the pace of global emissions increases, no matter what happens elsewhere,’ Justice John Paul Stevens said in the majority opinion. ‘EPA has offered no reasoned explanation for its refusal to decide whether greenhouse gases cause or contribute to climate change.’ The politics of global warming have changed dramatically since the court agreed last year to hear its first case on the subject, with many Republicans as well as Democrats now pressing for action. However, the administration has argued for a voluntary approach rather than new regulation. The […]
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007
High Court Rebukes Bush on Car Pollution
Author: MARK SHERMAN
Source: The Associated Press
Publication Date: Apr 2 11:19 PM US/Eastern
Link: High Court Rebukes Bush on Car Pollution
Source: The Associated Press
Publication Date: Apr 2 11:19 PM US/Eastern
Link: High Court Rebukes Bush on Car Pollution
Stephan: Here is some good news, from a Supreme Court many predicted would see the matter otherwise. The case discussed is Massachusetts v. EPA, 05-1120.