EPA Expected to Start Limiting CO2 Emissions

The EPA is expected to soon start regulating emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases for the first time, reports the New York Times. The agency is under an order—ignored by the Bush administration—to decide whether CO2 is a pollutant that endangers the public. Obama administration officials have signaled that an affirmative decision will be forthcoming within weeks.

The move would give the EPA broad powers to limit emissions under the Clean Air Act. Critics, including some Democrats, complain that would create a "glorious mess" of regulations. Environmentalists say the decision is long overdue, although they see EPA regulation as just a stopgap measure until Congress can create more comprehensive climate change legislation. There is expectation that EPA administrator Lisa Jackson will act by April 2, the second anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling.
(More EPA stories.)