What’s the best way to regulate greenhouse gases, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an act of Congress?
This article from the New York Times discusses the pros and cons of each approach. Having the EPA declare carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases dangerous pollutants would avoid the need to have Congress pass federal legislation to cap CO2 emissions. Many view such passage as difficult this year given the economic recession. EPA regulation has its own problems, not the least of which is whether the Clean Air Act covers carbon dioxide. Also, any ruling the EPA made could be overturned by a new administration. What may happen is that the Obama administration may pursue both approaches for now, with eventual passage of Congressional legislation establishing a cap-and-trade system regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
