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A finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the threat of greenhouse gases to the public could pave the way for more stringent federal regulation of emissions under the Clean Air Act.
While the endangerment finding, announced at a Dec. 7 press conference with EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, does nothing to enact any specific regulation, it provides the EPA with the legal basis for regulation in the future.
"This long-overdue finding cements 2009's place in history as the year when the United States government began seriously addressing the challenge of greenhouse gas pollution and seizing the opportunity of clean energy reform," Jackson said during the press conference.