The Supreme Court has begun to hear arguments this week in a case that could determine whether the Bush administration must change course in how it deals with regulation of carbon dioxide. A dozen states and environmental groups are trying to convince the court that the EPA must regulate. The Bush administration argued to the court today that the EPA lacks power under Clean Air Act to regulate it as a pollutant. Also, even if it did have authority, it would have discretion under the law on how to address the problem. The other side insists a 1970 law makes clear that it is a pollutant and is subject to regulation because it poses a threat to public health. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of gov in 2005, but last June the Supreme Court decided to take up the case. The ruling is expected next year.
David Bookbinder, a lawyer for the Sierra Club, says a legal clarification of the EPA's authority could determine whether the current administration must regulate carbon dioxide emissions and whether a future one will be able to demand such limits. Might want to look up more about D. Bookbinder.
(from Cathie Vonesh, 11/29/06)
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