This article reports on the newly issued statement that Greenhouse gases are harmful to humans, reported by the Environmental Protection Agency. After careful research, this has been announced. This is a big step, especially for legislation to be passed in congress. With a government agency stating this, then the legislators are more likely to believe it. It also said that the court has ruled that Greenhouse gases are considered part of the "air pollutants" mentioned in the Clean Air Act and can now be enforced as such.
Its about time! It is hard to believe that the EPA is just now issuing a statement about this. Anyway, it is still a big step forward. Without government support on the issue, politicians, citizens, and lobbyists have had trouble getting legislation passed. It is also important that the Clean Air Act includes Greenhouse gases now. The EPA now has the power to fine and/or shut down businesses emitting these pollutants. The EPA has taken major strides forward in the last few years and continues to grow in importance. Many people are harsh towards the agency, but really they are just enforcing what they are told to and for the most part their intentions and actions are good. Hopefully, now we can push legislation through congress and make a dent in the problem. Environmentalism is a major issue in the politics of today, which means there should be some laws passed soon, hopefully the effects of the EPA's statement will help.
"EPA Rules Greenhouse Gases Harmful to Humans (Reported by Jessica Rae Patton)." E, the Environmental Magazine: Current Issue. Web. 09 Dec. 2009.
I have to agree with Kate-it's about time! This article demonstrates how potent skeptics' opinions are in the realm of science as well as the conservative nature it fosters science journals. This slow response to a life-threatening situation does indicate that environmental change could be slow coming in the United States. Without faster responses to environmental change, we could fall behind to the point of not being able to correct the problem. What do you all believe could overcome this conservatism in scientific progress?
ReplyDeleteWow! This wasnt enforced until now! I agree that this is a huge step and wonder why it is just now happening. I am also wondering however how it will be enforced. I feel like a lot of environmental legislation does not end up working due to lack of enforcement.
ReplyDeleteI saw this article when looking for my own to write about and could not belive the title. I had no idea that greenhouse gases hadnt been officially declared as dangerous until now. Hopefully by doing this legislators in Washington and around the world will finally get their acts together and believe that humans are altering the enviornment.
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