Category Archives: CO2

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The Climate/Energy Bill: Required reading and viewing

Next week, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment is scheduled to finalize what is probably the most important piece of legislation this year. (No small claim in a year of turmoil and opportunity.)

The House bill doesn’t have number yet, but it does have a “short title” — American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 — and a long draft version, 648 pages long, to be precise. (To download a pdf copy, click on the bill’s image to the right.)

Why is the bill so important? Because it could be the most comprehensive government attempt to reduce climate change so far. Actually, that’s not saying much since virtually nothing has been done to address what some experts say is the single greatest threat to our economy, the environment, public health and national security. Oh, and the rest of the world.

So, yeah, it matters.

I’ll have much more information and analysis of the bill on Monday, including a segment on the role solar power may or may not play in the final bill.

For now, here are some discussions of the bill, pretty much from across the political spectrum, courtesy of CSPAN.

CSPAN on Energy Bill

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EPA’s new rules on climate change

After years of foot-dragging in previous administrations, the Environmental Protection Agency today published its proposed rules to fight climate change.

EPA proposed rules on GHG

Acting under provisions of the Clean Air Act, the EPA published the proposed rules in today’s Federal Register, announced two public hearings on the rules and set a deadline for public comments (June 23, 2009).

The hearings will be held in Arlington, VA, on May 19th, and in Seattle, WA, on May 21st.

The EPA’s summary is reprinted below. A PDF copy of the proposed rules can be downloaded here.

EPA Summary

Today the Administrator is proposing to find that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere endanger the public health and welfare of current and future generations. Concentrations of greenhouse gases are at unprecedented levels compared to the recent and distant past. These high atmospheric levels are the unambiguous result of human emissions, and are very likely the cause of the observed increase in average temperatures and other climatic changes. The effects of climate change observed to date and projected to occur in the future-including but not limited to the increased likelihood of more frequent and intense heat waves, more wildfires, degraded air quality, more heavy downpours and flooding, increased drought, greater sea level rise, more intense storms, harm to water resources, harm to agriculture, and harm to wildlife and ecosystems-are effects on public health and welfare within the meaning of the Clean Air Act. In light of the likelihood that greenhouse gases cause these effects, and the magnitude of the effects that are occurring and are very likely to occur in the future, the Administrator proposes to find that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare within the meaning of Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. She proposes to make this finding specifically with respect to six greenhouse gases that together constitute the root of the climate change problem: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

The Administrator is also proposing to find that the combined emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines are contributing to this mix of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Thus, she proposes to find that the emissions of these substances from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines are contributing to air pollution which is endangering public health and welfare under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act.


EPA’s website has an extensive collection of background material on the history leading up to today’s publication.

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EPA: Green house gases bad

EPA chief Lisa Jackson signs historic GHG finding

File this one under “Ya Think?”

After decades of studies and nearly unanimous agreement of fact-based scientists around the planet, the Obama administration today announced that green house gases (GHGs) threaten the health of current Americans and future generations.

Obama’s action makes good on a campaign promise issued nine years ago. That promise was made by Texas Governor George W. Bush when he was running for the White House. Once in office, however, the promise was yanked — out from under then EPA Administrator Christie Whitman who learned about the policy shift at a press conference.

From reporters.

As John Stewart would say: “Emba-a-a-ra-a-a-sing!”

But as a former KGB agent once told me, “Osha, let us not talk about the bad things of the past.”

(We were in a crumbling Stalin-era apartment, miles from my hotel in Moscow. It was night. I thought his advice was prudent.)

Here’s the contents of an email Administrator Jackson sent to all EPA employers less than two hours ago:

Colleagues:

Just minutes ago, I signed a proposed finding indicating that six greenhouse gases pose a threat to the health and welfare of current and future generations of Americans. This was an historic action, and the first formal recognition by the U.S. government of the threats posed by climate change.

Two years ago, the Supreme Court urged EPA scientists to speak on the question of greenhouse gas pollution and the threats it poses to our health and welfare. They recognized the seriousness of this matter and I’m proud of the work you’ve done to tackle this question head-on.

We release this proposal amid the President’s call to transition to a low-carbon economy, and strong Congressional leadership on clean energy and climate legislation. In the weeks and months ahead, we will work closely with all stakeholders to find the best solutions to the threats of climate change. I believe that the right answer will come through legislation that focuses on green jobs, clean energy, and new technologies.

This is an historic day for our country and our agency. As Earth Day approaches, today’s announcement should remind all Americans that change has come for the environment. Change has come to the EPA.

Many hands played a part in this effort. You all have my sincerest appreciation and respect. I know staff and managers in OAR, ORD and OGC played a crucial role in this document’s development. In particular, let me highlight the tireless work of Lisa Heinzerling, Dina Kruger, Ben DeAngelo, Rona Birnbaum, Carol Holmes and John Hannon. They, like all EPA employees, have given so much to advance our mission of protecting human health and the environment.

As always, I’m proud to serve with you. Thanks for your extraordinary work.

Sincerely,

Lisa P. Jackson