Current Law Provides EPA Ample Authority to Regulate CO_2

摘要

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the current provisions of the CAA provide EPA ample authority to regulate carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissions {Massachusetts v. EPA, No. 05-1120 [U.S. April 2, 2007]). While the decision does not require the agency to issue regulations restricting CO_2 emissions, it does require EPA to provide a reasoned explanation if it chooses not to do so. The court's decision also rejects EPA's arguments that the current statute does not allow EPA to regulate greenhouse gases. According to the court, the statute is unambiguous, and provides the agency ample authority to regulate greenhouse gases, including CO_2, methane (CH_4), nitrous oxide (N_2O), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).