The first moves on reversing US climate policy under the Obama administration are underway, with the US federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) spearheading the plans of its new political masters. This month, the EPA is seen moving on three fronts to reverse previous positions set by Bush administration policy of not regulating greenhouse gas emissions said to be causing global warming.
The US government’s chief environmental watchdog is:
- proposing new rules for the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions across the economy, a necessary pre-condition for an emissions cap and trade scheme
- planning a declaration of ‘endangerment’ against greenhouse gas emissions, that would enable it to regulate such emissions under the Clean Air Act
- beginning hearings on whether a rump of states are allowed to set their own vehicle emission standards, tighter than Washington’s
The EPA has proposed a national carbon reporting registry be established requiring all firms that emit more than 25,000 tonnes of carbon-dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gases a year to collect and register them. Also obligated to report would be carmakers and fossil fuel producers, whose products contribute to emissions in the hands of millions of individuals and the rest of the business sector.
All up, 85 to 90 per cent of the US’s massive 7 billion tonnes of annual emissions of a range of greenhouse gas emissions would be covered. The system would be up and running next year, two years ahead of President Obama’s timetable for a cap and trade scheme to begin.
"Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information," Reuters reports EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson saying. "This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment … without placing an onerous burden on our nation's small businesses."
Meanwhile, Greenwire is reporting that the EPA is planning next month to declare greenhouse gas emissions a danger to human health. This would allow it to enforce their reporting and regulation across the economy, rather than just in power plants as is currently the case.
Finally, the EPA has begun hearings on whether up to 16 states can opt out of national car emissions standards and adopt the tighter California standards instead. This follows instructions from the Obama administration to reconsider applications for the required federal waivers, refused during the Bush term.
The big carmakers have opposed the states’ moves, saying it will further burden the auto industry in a time of crisis. A final EPA ruling is thought to be still some months way.
Reuters 10/3/09, Financial Times 4/3/09
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