Comment from Wendy Atmore
April 17th, 2009 at 12:56 pm

This new government needs to be appreciated for looking
after the welfare of the the citizens…….at last.
Thank you! And: Keep It UP!!!!

Comment from Harry Grace
April 17th, 2009 at 12:56 pm

This is the best news to come out of Washington in quite a while. We must renew our efforts to insist that Congress pass appropriate legislation.

Comment from Julie
April 17th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

Unfortunately, I am concerned about the truth regarding Global Warming and other political issues. It is my undersatanding that Al Gore and Obama will financially benefit from the funds generated by the carbon tax. I would feel better about actually knowing the truth on the global warming issue if there wasn't a filthy rich politician who would financially profit from such issues.

Julie,

http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?contentID=9112

Comment from Joan Meijer
April 17th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

Bravo or should I say Brava….

Comment from Ben
April 17th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Great step. Seems about 50 or so years behind schedule, but glad to have it now regardless.

Comment from Gerald Rebitzer
April 17th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Great to see that the US now also recognizes what the rest of the world already knew for 10 years. Better late than never! This could lead to a real break through!

Comment from Christine Aspegen
April 17th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

If the legislation is expedited into action, it may not be too late for the planet and all her creatures. It must happen NOW!

Comment from Jorge Farall
April 17th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Great! better late than never. The only thing I feel I have to point at Ms. Jackson's speech, is that global warming threatens not only human health and well being, there are other living entities suffering… and there's more out there than Americans: A WHOLE WORLD

Comment from ted hood
April 17th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

thank god ,, just in time !!!

Comment from Mike Stevens
April 17th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

This is great news for polor Bears and Our Children. We must strive to rollback all the issues of the last 50 years of accelerating pollution,runaway capitalism, and corporate greed, plus expand our efforts worldwide.
I don't believe that Gore and Obama will benifit excessively nor do I care, YOU CAN BENEFIT just as much, invest in Green tech or buy carbon credits if you like.
The real benefit is to our health and the world's continuing existance.

Comment from max
April 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

EVERYONE IS ON THE TAKE …. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE IF THIS WILL RESULT IN JUST MORE OF WHAT THE EPA WILL NOT EVER ENFORCE…. NOT ! GOOD LUCK TO MY KIDS AND GRANDKIDS !!

Comment from Patrick M. Griffin
April 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

I think these new "regulations" are most likely a fraud. Greenspan and Gore wanted to "dissipate" the stank of Hades, and I suspect "Obama" is involved in this. "Global Warming" is a fraud, and all the sewage and other pollution is the world must be flushed to Hades.

Comment from mike parzych
April 17th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

great !! hope they start with bring back ele. trolleys to the streets of our cities ! this could cut the use of gasoline by up to 15% thats a big savings !! p.s. the old trolley tracks are still in the streets of many cities and just need to be resufaced and need only minor repaires !! its a shovle ready project !! go for it !! would bring life back to our inter cities !!

Comment from peter0982001
April 17th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Yes we need not only cut on emmision and green huse gases, but while doing so create good paying jobs.

Comment from clair
April 17th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Aboiut fricken time. AND it is NOT just American lives at stake here peeps it is the whole world hence GLOBAL climate change.

Comment from Mimi Lewis
April 17th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

Hurrah! At last! After years of inexcusable inaction, the first major step on the part of our government in what must become a race to save our planet!

Comment from Brenon Duff
April 17th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

Regardless of the cause of global warming, we need to do anything we can to stop polluting, and start cleaning up this planet (happens to be our home)! We can each do our small part as well as join in efforts in our communities, states, nation and world.

Comment from Stout Squirrel
April 17th, 2009 at 1:17 pm

To paraphrase Voltaire, the EPA is neither environmental, does not offer protection, and is not much of an agency.

Maybe this is the start of government actually taking care of its citizens. I really hope this is the way it is going to happen. – SS.

Comment from Jim Holm
April 17th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

I support nuclear medicine, electricity, and desalination. I do NOT support the fourth nuclear technology, nuclear weapons.

Massive amounts of nuclear electricity is the only thing that will cause us to walk away from coal electricity.

Comment from Heather Wolf
April 17th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

This is a positive first step; the EPA taking a definitive stand on carbon emissions. Unfortunately the EPA is without the power to effect real change without the support of congress. INdustry lobbyists against these measures are strong. We need to partner with our industries as well and ask congress to make it easier for our industries to invest in these long term solutions.

The EPA and Congress also need to address all sources of carbon emissions and pollutants. Any polluting industries are protected from regulation by loopholes created with the help of their lobbyists in Washington. Aviation emissions and it's impact on global warming is a fine example. The aviation industry which was deregulated in the 1970's directly contributes to global warming due to carbon emissions and by vapor trails with heavy metal particulate which remains in the upper atmosphere. This industry needs to immediately address it's impact to the global environment,invest in solutions.

Corporations need to embrace this change, and work with congress to secure tax incentives to help them invest in the solution, rather than lobbying congress to add loopholes.

These regulations are a good motivator to regenerate our industries. It's a great opportunity that I hope corporate America can quickly embrace.

Please sign this petition to regulate aviation emissions: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/RegulateAviationEmissions

Comment from Sharon
April 17th, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Finally! I wonder if it had anything to do with the lawsuit.

The pollution caused by natural gas drilling is horrendous! Please pass around these videos so people will stop calling natural gas a clean energy!

http://txsharon.blogspot.com/2009/04/natural-gas-drilling-emissions-to-be.html

Just last week, the Texas Railroad Commission was trying to get away with calling natural gas an alternative fuel!

Comment from Bill
April 17th, 2009 at 1:25 pm

"The ruling triggers a 60-day comment period before any proposed regulations governing emissions of greenhouse gases are published." [NYT]

We need to make sure our comments are heard.

Comment from Tam
April 17th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

It's about time! I don't understand how people can think the global warming issue is a hoax. Look around folks- mother nature is speaking loud and clear all around the world! Listen to the experts and scientists! If you are sick you go to the doctor don't you because you trust their training and judgement? Well- wake up- you need to apply that logic to other aspects as well.

Comment from Wintergreen
April 17th, 2009 at 1:27 pm

Hummmm …. emissions? I'm on a kick to see two things happen.

1) Regulation that requires all one-off plastics to be made of bio-material such as: picnic supplies; supermarket and department store packaging; packing supplies; fast food containers etc. These make emissions in being made. Let's change the production and then emissions go down.

2) Victory Bonds … using them for Eco Recovery. We've moved well past 'sustainability' and need to clean up so much of the environment.

Comment from Diane
April 17th, 2009 at 1:27 pm

At the very least, three cheers for Lisa Jackson. How can anyone deny that global warming exists and is destroying the planet, and all that reside on it?

Comment from katherine sue allen
April 17th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

After the last 20 years of denial that the problem was even there, and the last 8 years worring more about the welfare of people in foreign lands, we finally have a president that cares more about his own people, now we are going to see things get dine to help us, unless the Republicans ban together to stop it, so they can continue to hurt us. The Bible warns us to be ware of the Publicans!

Comment from Sylvia
April 17th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

It's about time!

Comment from Ted Washburne
April 17th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

Well, I certainly agree with all the positive comments above but I really have to ask who kicked the sleeping dogs?!

Comment from David
April 17th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

This is the begining of mass carbon taxing of us all. The answer is free energy devices which these people will never acknowledge…see brian O'leary for info on that…see The Obama Deception at you tube if you really want to know whats going on.

Comment from Noel
April 17th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

Sam, please reply to Julie, who seems to be buying in to the right-wing cant that somehow Gore and Obama will financially benefit from carbon caps.

Thanks for all you do. Maybe real change can happen.

Comment from Janice Treadway
April 17th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

In the 70's I was Miss Mother Earth. I did ecology programs and they were very well received. With the present presentations of this I am turned off. I feel people like Al Gore, Obama and the congress should lead by example, not by what they think we should do. Now, I think it is all a farce and that we cannot make global warming or do anything about it. Itis not in our power. I do not mean that we should waste. I am merely stating my belief and I also am fed up with the tactics some of the environmentalists use. Al Gore is NO. 1.

Comment from Joseph A. Mungai
April 17th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

We don’t want to store our own nuclear waste in our back yards but now contemplate storing this toxic waste from other countries here in the United States. Carbon capture is offered as a solution to dirty coal energy plants without any way of storing it safely. We already have safe renewable energy sources and technology to use it but remain focused on old pollution for answers. Alexandre Andrade once wrote, “In the absence of a place where a genuine reinvention happens, an honest substitute will be a city that shelters a fiction of the reinvention that never occurred. A city that assumes the external appearance of the expectations of that one who sought it, leading him to believe in a battle won. A city that is benign to those who change in nothing except in the belief that something important has changed, and who euphorically begin to build a life on that certainty.”

Comment from luvutah
April 17th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

Wow. It's about time! Thrilling, nonetheless. Thanks Lisa. Now let's hope it gains momentum.

Comment from Robert D Locker
April 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Yea!!!!! We cannot let up because the opposition is not letting up. This a very important early step. Yea!!!!

Comment from fiddlededee
April 17th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

What a bunch of malarky. Just another way for the likes of Al Gore and other environmental wackos to take control of our every day lives. There has always been "climate change" and there always will be – but we will be broke if the government forces on us all the changes they think will help.

Comment from kory
April 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

we are supposed to be stewards of the land, and its about time we started living up to the job description.

Comment from tony c
April 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

there's nothing more deceiving than global warming.once upon a time on our planet the dinosaurs were estinguished by similar problems some 10,000 years ago, with no petrol, no emissions, no nothing…
the whole thing it's a bogus for upsetting the status quo, like the French revolution.

Comment from Judy Gordon
April 17th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

It's about time that someone in an official EPA position spoke up affirming that global warming endangers America's health and well-being. All one has to do is to note the increase in cases of cancer and immune comprimised illnesses. Kudos to Lisa Jackson.

Comment from Sher
April 17th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

I think this is a great decision and the best action we can take now! I know people are worried about whether or not certain politicians will benefit from this, yes they will,… WE ALL WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS!!! If someone wants their name on it,.. that's fine with me,.. it needs to be done now! And why can't their be people from the political world that feel as strongly about the environment as so many of us do?

Comment from mark
April 17th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

Want to know the truth, just ask the eskimos who can't hunt seals any more because the ice is too thin or disappearing. Just ask the native people in the south pacific islands who are being displaced because their traditional island homes are disappearing under rising sea levels. Just ask the loggers and park rangers in Canada who are watching the forests being destroyed by pine beetles who are flourishing in the warmer climate. Just don't wait to ask our children and grand children. Its about time we did something with real substance to protect the planet that mothers us all.

Comment from Susan Norris
April 17th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

I copy here (with permission) the comments of my Nephew.
If we really believe in the "hard Hat" ads and other "green movement" things, I think we should go for the whole thing NOW.

Print Message Close

From : K. Scott Norris

To : "Norris, Susy"

Subject : How Democrats Can Win the Climate Debate

Date : Fri, Apr 17, 2009 01:08 PM

How Democrats Can Win the Climate Debate

By Teryn Norris & Jesse Jenkins

The Huffington Post, April 7th 2009

If Democrats want to win on climate policy, they must think fast and move quickly to regain control of the debate. Last week was the opening round of the national climate fight, and the Democratic Congress was nearly knocked out.

It began on Tuesday with the introduction of a major climate bill by Democratic Congressmen Waxman and Markey. The proposal made a fateful choice: it threw out President Obama's "Apollo" plan for investing $150 billion in clean energy and focused instead on meeting the demands of leading environmental organizations, emphasizing cap and trade regulation and a laundry list of electricity and efficiency standards.

The response to the legislation was swift and harsh, with Republicans deftly maneuvering to secure the political high ground. Senator Thune (R-SD) introduced a budget amendment declaring that any climate legislation should "not increase electricity or gasoline prices," which quickly passed 89 to 8. Senator Ensign (R-NV) then proposed an amendment stating that climate policy should not result in higher taxes on the middle class, passing unanimously (98-0). These votes effectively put all but a handful of Democratic Senators on the record opposing policies to raise the price of dirty energy — the central purpose of cap and trade regulation at the heart of the Waxman-Markey bill.

What went wrong? The Democratic Congress made a critical mistake in following the direction of leading green groups like Environmental Defense Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council. By tossing out Obama's energy investment plan and focusing on carbon pricing and regulation, Democrats allowed Republicans to quickly and easily frame the entire debate around increased energy prices and economic costs. That's a fight Republicans take up with relish — and one they will surely win.

This isn't a surprise. Proposals to increase dirty energy prices have consistently failed since President Clinton's "Btu tax" collapsed in the early 1990s, and a recent poll showed that 89 percent of the U.S. public is worried about increases in the price of gas and fuel. Last month, for the first time in 25 years, a new Gallup poll also found a majority of Americans are willing to sacrifice environmental protection to strengthen the economy. In the midst of economic crisis, Americans are far more worried about keeping their jobs and paying their energy bills than they are about global warming.

If the Democratic Congress stays the course, one of two outcomes is practically inevitable. Either the national climate agenda will collapse, or any cap and trade provisions passed through Congress will be so weak as to be largely irrelevant for reducing carbon emissions. To secure passage, the carbon regulations will become so watered down with provisions to limit the impact on energy prices that any resulting price on carbon emissions will be almost negligible.

And if that's not bad enough, the Republicans have set a trap that Democrats are poised to spring. Even if Democrats secure passage of a weak climate bill riddled with cost-containment provisions, the GOP will vehemently attack them in the 2010 midterm elections for breaking their "promise" not to pass legislation raising energy prices or taxes. As long as climate proposals primarily focus on regulation and carbon pricing, Democrats will be handing Republicans a blunt political weapon.

So how can Democrats win? They must quickly follow President Obama's lead by shifting the focus of climate legislation from pollution regulation to bold government investment in the clean energy economy. Obama has consistently placed clean energy investment at the center of his economic agenda, from his signature campaign proposal for a $150 billion clean energy project, to his advocacy for energy investments throughout the economic stimulus debate. The result was clear: 78% of voters expressed strong support for clean energy investment, according to a post-election poll, and the stimulus package was a success.

Fortunately, President Obama isn't the only one who gets it. As Speaker Nancy Pelosi summed it up in January: "Cap-and-trade is there for a reason. You cap and you trade so you can pay for some of these investments in energy independence and renewables."

President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have it right: a "New Apollo Project" for clean energy — at least $150 billion in direct public investment over ten years, funded by modest carbon pricing or deficit spending — is far more robust than pollution regulation. Whereas a debate about carbon regulation emphasizes economic costs and increased energy prices, a debate about clean energy investment puts the enormous public benefits at the front and center: creating millions of jobs, promoting U.S. growth industries and competitiveness, developing new energy technologies, and securing the nation's energy independence.

By focusing climate policy on direct public investment in the clean energy economy, Democratic leaders position themselves on strong political ground and force Republicans to oppose job creation, economic revitalization, and energy independence.

The time to act is now. The draft climate bill released last week will be debated when Congress returns from April recess. The Democratic Congress must move quickly onto the offensive and declare that a New Apollo Project for clean energy is non-negotiable. And that effort must be more than just rhetorical — it must be matched with a significant shift in policy design, one that places clean energy investments at the center of climate legislation. That's the debate Democrats can — and must — win.

Teryn Norris and Jesse Jenkins are Project Director and Director of Energy & Climate Policy at the Breakthrough Institute.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/teryn-norris/how-democrats-can-win-the_b_183805.html

Comment from bullfrog
April 17th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

There is a huge host of determined and serious individuals and groups, who are ready for someone to lead this nation in many things environmental. High speed rail, green energy, and low tech solutions for cleaning up and restoring our nation to a new level of life sustaining existence.

All we need to do is insist that our political structures in this country find the courage to make decisions based on science and personal convictions that are good for all our citizens.

Comment from 60bunnies
April 17th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

It's about time that pollutions are stopped, and that "loop hole" lobbyists are stopped too. If we don't stop the Global warming chaos (and it does exist), animals, oceans, forests will all die. Next on the soon to be extinct list will be humans. Please, everyone, recycle, recycle, recycle. It helps our planet and our economy, too

Comment from Monica Neil
April 17th, 2009 at 1:45 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt5z8L4LBJE

Comment from Susan K Lapp
April 17th, 2009 at 1:45 pm

I Think This is So Great! It Is About Time! Hopefully it will remain this way!!! Great Job to all involved!!!

Comment from John F
April 17th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Don't hold your breath everyone, this will end up in the Supreme Court and we'll get to find out what the good Judge Sirica and his cohorts have to say.

Comment from Francis Parnell
April 17th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Good news! But there's a way we all can cut greenhouse gas emissions immediately. Since Light Pollution contributes over 40 million tons of C02 and other greenhouse gases annually to the atmosphere, by using the right amount of light for the task – don't overlight – and turning off unnecessary lights at night we can make a big impact and help solve the problem.

Comment from Matthew Kubiak
April 17th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

It is clear that of all of the Bush legacies, global warming is the most certain tokill us.

Comment from Rodney Thorn
April 17th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

This is very good news, and the move is long overdue. It has my full support.

Now let's also regain world leadership in developing green industries – solar energy, wind power, fuel efficient cars and energy efficient buildings – all of these will generate jobs that in most cases cannot be sent offshore.

Comment from lawapa
April 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

This change in direction to what must be done sooner rather than later is refreshing. I would prefer that global environmental changes be mitigated by our direct action. And not wait till were up to our knees in seawater and extreme weather before we do something. While I realize that many people think this is a scam foisted on us some conspiracy. I tend to think this is a genuine global problem we must all face together to overcome.

Comment from tommoulton
April 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Finally somebody starts caring about the next generations!

Comment from Robert Rao
April 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

There is a car called Tesla, it's all electric, it goes up to 300 miles befor a charge, and charges for 45 minutes.
How come the gov. did'nt looked into the Tesla, maybe because there money involed.
GOD BLESS YOU

From Robert

Comment from blackbear
April 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Yeah! It is about time!!! Maybe now we can move ahead and become leaders in protecting our planet and our quality of life for ourselves and future generations.

Comment from adamcornford
April 17th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Response to Julie and Janice:

First, it is irrelevant whether or not Gore (or for that matter Obama) or anyone else in power might benefit financially from carbon caps. I'd argue that we will all benefit financially, because global warming is extremely expensive–in money as well as in biodiversity and human lives. Meanwhile, weigh the possible profits in the short term from carbon caps against the trillions of dollars invested in fossil-fuel energy and industrial meat production (two huge sources of greenhouse gases)as well as in deforestation in the Amazon Basin and the Indonesian archipelago. If Gore and Obama were as mercenary as the right-wing drivel you have been listening to proposes, they would just invest in Exxon-Mobil, which has been squeezing the world hard for superprofits so they can stay on top in the post-fossil-fuel economy that's coming.

Second, the scientific consensus on the human contribution to global warming is overwhelming and growing stronger by the day. Unfortunately, part of what's strengthening that consensus is the fact that the worst-case scenarios of earlier climate-change modeling are coming true and being exceeded because of unforeseen multiplier effects. To out this another way: not only are human-caused greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide and methane) causing this very rapid and unprecedented rise in the average global temperature, but it's turning out to be worse than anyone thought. Sure, there is still a small and diminishing group of people with science degrees who claim that human activity is not a major cause of global warming: the so-called "skeptics." Some of them are just contrarians, some are outright cranks, and the rest are the intellectual whores of the fossil fuel industry and related business interests. In all cases, they are bad scientists, whether from ineptitude or corruption.

Comment from Barbara Bockman
April 17th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

This is wonderful news. At last, we can begin to get a handle on the threats to our planet, and this will lead to greater improvements such as curbing animal abuse.

I am hurt by the negative comments. I do not believe that Al Gore or Obama will personally benefit. But it would behove them to publish their fianacial statements so the nay-sayers can be refuted.

What I deplore is the ole boy network of the past and the way those corporate ceos benefitted from global destructive practices.

The ironic thing is that as we begin to make improvements, the non-believers of today will look back and claim that
they were right all along, and never give the credit to the ones, like the Environmental Defense Fund, who have worked and sacrificed (and people like me who give money do sacrifice)to protect our beautiful world.

Thanks a million,
Barbara Bockman

Comment from louise laukhuff
April 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

This is a no-brainer – it's like saying "watch out, this HOT coffee can burn you if you spill it", I'm surprised the actual declaration took this long. But it is finally declared – and thank goodness – now can we get on with it and clean up our act before we lose this planet??!

Comment from Edith Schneider
April 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Great news! May our President Obama and his crew keep working faithful to the promises made in the campaign – in this case, for better ecology. Such an urgent issue!

Comment from DressageRider
April 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Finally! I hope this will bring forth a new world! Now all we have is keep it going!!

WOOT WOOT!

Comment from a031
April 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

This is a good start, but a cap also needs to be put on factory farming. Not only are factory farms torturous for the animals unlucky enough to be born on or shipped to them, but the industry is also the largest global greenhouse gas contributor, accounting for about 20% of greenhouse gasses. At this point, this inhumane, dirty industry is expected to continue growing.

Comment from Barbara Bockman
April 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

To Robert,

That was a different government.

Barbara Bockman

Comment from Martha Perez
April 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Healthy Environment = Healthy Nation
Healthcare NOT Warfare
Healthcare does not equal Healthcare Insurance
Maintain current infrastructure: NO MORE BIGGER BRIDGES
Single-Payer is a solution
So is Universal and Archimede's movement

Starting to sink in????

Comment from Lynette
April 17th, 2009 at 1:57 pm

I hope this isn't just more lipservice. The 'reasonably cynical' commenters above are right to worry about pressure from lobbyists, and I want to note that includes hired guns from Alberta, Canada. Our provincial government recently announced a plan to spend millions on a campaign to 'repair our image' and promote increased Tar Sands production in the U.S., and I beg all of you in the U.S. to not believe a word of it, and pressure your Admin to refuse dirty oil from Canada. The U.S. is the biggest importer of Canadian oil, and "no buyers" is the only thing that will force our government to stop new Tar Sands approvals.

Here's a great new film I encourage everyone in the U.S. to watch (in full, free, online):
DOWNSTREAM: http://www.babelgum.com/html/clip.php?clipId=3015242 (only 30 min)
(official film website is at http://www.downstreamdoc.com)

For those who continue to believe global warming/climate change is a hoax, read this Grist series "How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic: Responses to the most common skeptical arguments on global warming": http://www.grist.org/article/series/skeptics

Comment from john mole
April 17th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

Long overdue after the Bush years.

Comment from de9999
April 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

This is wonderful news! I believe that the work of this Administration will provide the only hedge between the poorly regulated past and a cleaner, safer future for America. Now it is time to turn our energy toward solving the greater problem of poor indoor air quality, which is sickening millions and driving the costs of medical care and medical insurance through the roof. The constructive clear thinking of the Obama Administratio, coupled with a strong new head of the EPA, should give us hope that this historically elusive goal can at last be reached.

Comment from Maria Hill
April 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

I can't believe we are finally here. The most exciting news I have heard in a long time.
Congratulations!

Comment from LAMIRI Mustapha
April 17th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

I believe that each one of us is conscious of the environmental problems and in particular the climatic changes due to gases for purpose of greenhouse. These gases do not have borders, they can reach each country of the world, coming from the industrialized countries but that does not prevent each country taking measures and solutions to reduce pollution and from sensitizing the citizens to take precautions. For that, I propose four simple methods to reduce the carbon dioxide, principal gas for purpose of greenhouse:

1) One can have a tube of exhaust with two exits, large an opening at side of small an opening. If one introduces large the opening into a container which contains the peridotite into small pieces or in a lime solution, the carbon dioxide will be transformed into carbonate which after recycling by decarbonation, one will respectively obtain the peridotite or lime AND CO2 that one can bury in under ground. With this method, one traps a great quantity of CO2 and consequently one will have reduction in the effect of greenhouse.

2) To turn off the engines of the vehicles to the red feus and especially in the congestions, hour peak or a voyage during the holidays….etc That will have a positive impact on the environment.

3) Use public transport (drunk, subway.) and the covoiturage for the inhabitants of the same area. In addition, the weather starts to be nice, do not hesitate to use the bicycles.

4) To use trains which transport at the same time the travellers and the cars between the cities which have the railroads (Or to use the boats for the coastal cities). I am explained: there are people who only travel or in family in their cars, whereas they can travel by train with their cars in other coaches (There are coaches for cars) or use trains which transport the cars which leave at the same time as the trains the travellers. That will have a positive impact in the long run on the environment because there will be less pollution. Moreover less fuel consumption, less accidents and can be less expenditure.

I await your answers.

Cordially,

LAMIRI Mustapha
Email: lamiri_mustapha@yahoo.fr

Comment from brigitte
April 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

YES, finally the US is waking up. Let's hope this is not just a dream. Being the most responsible country for bad emission we need to show the example to the world.

Comment from megonmon
April 17th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

Past due! And without orginazations like the TakeAction.org it may never have to to pass.
I think your for all your efforts and helping individuals truly make a difference.

Comment from starbrite
April 17th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

I wonder how much research and how many taxpayer-funded tests it took to figure that one out.

Too much pollution = killing the planet and everything living on and in it.

Hm. Maybe I can go work for the EPA!

Comment from Scott
April 17th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

We will need to move Urban areas closer to their centers and convert sprawl back to pre-growth periods.

We will need to do this in order to make public transportation run more efficiently and on a timely basis.

We will also have to go back towards using freight containerization on trains to get trucks off the road.

Comment from David Roberts, Bellefonte, PA
April 17th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

This was long overdue.
The EPA, the Nation, and the World all must take immediate and sweeping action to stop global warming from greenhouse gas emissions.

Comment from grace guerra
April 17th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

please don't take away our only way of breathing. We need our global warming.

Comment from Ann Van Hise
April 17th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

The logic of this "breakthrough" is so basic, that I have never understood why so many smoke screens have to negotiated before mankind helps itself. Why would anyone, regardless of political leaning, not want to live in a clean environment? Do certain people think it really doesn't effect them?! Don't they breath the same air, drink the same water, etc., etc.?? Traditionally, the EPA has not protected us; I hope this can actually change.

Comment from J. Tyler Bell
April 17th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

After 8 years of the Bush administration dragging its feet, the new adminstration is doing what should have done if Al Gore had been elected fairly. Now the US needs to ratify Kyoto and start doing some serious greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Comment from lhearold
April 17th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

A bunch of f-ing morons, all of you! The government has NEVER done anything correctly since its inception, it won't now either. By the time big business, the oil companies, coal companies, and eco-nutcases get finished changing things, it will be the guy that exhales more than 20 times a day that gets taxed on his carbon emissions. Of course all of you could hold your breath, then there would be a lot less greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and when you kick the bucket we can use your rotting bodies for fertilizer to have "organic" produce. A win-win solution!

Comment from David J Guthrie
April 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Really- Pollution kills. I can hardly believe my own eyes.

Comment from 723
April 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Adamcornford is absolutely correct and people who don't trust the experts just don't understand the issues well enought to develop a rational opinion. Consider the source of the republican drivel you hear…mostly anecdotal and unsubstantiated, misquotes and completely self-serving. Don't fool yourselves, if we don't act now, our children and our children's children will be left with the hardship of scarcity of water, food, and good health. We are on the path to a significant decline in the quality of life for future generations.

Comment from Thom Williams
April 17th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

This is a baby step in the right direction, however bigger cultural changes within the EPA need to be taken and much quicker. The new administration asks for input from all of us, yet when you try to submit ground breaking studies that can actually make a substantial change to the climate, they get rejected because it doesn't fit any current research and grant model. I have a totally new "out of the box" yet easy to understand research idea. Of course there wouldn't be a current research grant that would fit that model, it's new. There is no mechanism (or person) within the agency to willing or capable add new grant research project ideas to the EPA’s research funding structure, so God only knows how many ideas are lost to the fray of this business as usual blunderism!

Comment from gary
April 17th, 2009 at 2:17 pm

i am glad that our society is taking the steps necessary to persist in peace. our specific future is of great importance to me because i realize that the essence inside of us responsible for our experience will not experience nothing unless nothing is happening. i enjoy life, and i know that i can enjoy the future as well if we make the appropriate decisions, which are not even painful in the slightest.

Comment from karen57
April 17th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

There was a time when I thought that no one cared about my problems to breath. When the EPA was in Chicago, I gave a paper about how global warming was also warming up the ozone making it nice and difficult for not just me but most everyone to breath. I didn't hear anything about the outcome…until now. And with the new administration comes new eyes to see the problems and new rules that previous administrations didn't want to see.
As I give a sigh of relief, I suddenly think about transportation, Mass Transportation and how this will help or not for mass Transportation keeps more cars off the road and that is another good thing we can celebrate!

Comment from Kevin Dougherty
April 17th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

"We are borrowing this land from our children"

Lets leave it in good shape.

Comment from George Sidoti
April 17th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

It's about time!..The government is finally seeing what the people are seeing. Will wonders never cease…

And, now we must begin to do something that will deal with the issue of global warming. Something with substance that we can all understand.

Hopefully, the trend to recognize global warming will put every other nation on notice and act in a more unified manner so that we can all breathe easier all over the globe.

Comment from Sharon Hunt
April 17th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

About time !!!!!

Comment from JohnnyWhomper
April 17th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

CARBON CREDITS JUST A MAJOR SCAM-OLA!! THIS 'PAY TO POLLUTE' BULLSQUARD IS A COST THAT JUST GETS PASSED ALONG TO THE CONSUMER – - THAT'S -> YOU <- YOU! BRAIN-LACKING NAIVE OBAMANIACS!! YOU CAN'T SEE THIS???

PLEASE!! TRY THINKING MORE THAN ONE STEP AT A TIME! POLLUTER SETS UP A 'STRAW CORPORATION' – PAYS THEMSELVES FOR THE 'EXCESS' CARBON AND CONTINUES TO POLLUTE WITH ALL THE 'OFFSETS' THEY JUST SOLD THEMSELVES! DANG WHAT A BUNCH OF MOONBAT STARRY-EYE FISH THIS PLACE IS OVERFLOWING WITH!! YOU SWALLOW THIS BAIT?

YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED – JUST LIKE BEING FED HEALTH insurance INSTEAD OF HEALTH CARE – why? because all the pols (YES, AND OBAMA) are on the take from health/ insurance companies – FOLLOW THE MONEY! THE BAILOUT $$ GO TO YOU? NO, TO THE BANKS! DAGNABBIT YOU GUPPIES WAKE UP AND START THINKING!! WATCH ZEITGEIST ADDENDUM 2 (&3 &4) and get a CLUE!!!!

Thanks for your comments, JohnnyWhomper. We obviously disagree on the right policy fix, but at least we seem to agree that global warming is a serious problem that we need to address.

Thanks again for your views,
Sam Parry
Director Online Membership and Activism

Comment from leepatrizzi
April 17th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

This is our Earth Day '09 present to our country, our children and our grandchildren!!!!!!!!!!And it's just the beginning…

Comment from SethEden
April 17th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Everyone here seems to want to know the truth, so here it is. Global warming is a myth, but polution is not. It turns out that the mathmatical models for simulating long term climate trends don't take into account one single important element. When there are clouds the ground and air get cool. this is a common fact that any grade school student can tell you, but all the mathmatical models do not take this into account, so naturally their models show run-a-way heating. The whole global warming effect comes from the balancing effect of clouds which reflect more sunlight then the surface absorbs, so the more hot it gets the more evaporation you have, resulting in more clouds which causes a drop in temp. So the reality of the planet is that it remains a self balancing system in the long term. However, polution is a problem, causing water to become contaminated and bad health effects as a result which we medicate our selves with, medication manufactured in plants that produce more polution in the manufacturing process of raw materials and chemical processing. We still have acid rain, sulfer and benzine in the air, lead and mercury in the ground. I just found out today that the very first Hydrogen car was built in 1806 by Francois Isaac de Rivaz is a Swiss inventor. I discovered this on an article in the PESwiki website. Hydrogen is the future but it's not going to be a storage tank that we hold it in. Tanks and pipes for Hydrogen distribution become embrittled over time. The future will be Hydrogen on-demand, and Hydrogen boosters retro-fit kits to increase the eff. of existing engines.

Comment from statelysteward
April 17th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

THIS IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. HOWEVER, THE MOST IMPORTANT CLIMATE ISSUE RIGHT NOW IS "CHEMTRAILS." WE ARE BEING SPRAYED 24/7 WITH TOXIC HEAVY METALS AND OTHER TOXIC MATERIALS. WHAT IN HELL'S NAME IS WRONG WITH WE THE PEOPLE AND OUR POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES. THIS CRAP IS POISONING OUR FAMILIES, PETS, POLLUTING THE EARTH, WATER, AND EVERYTHING ELSE WITHIN SIGHT. JUST LOOK AT THE SKIES – THOSE ARE NOT "CONTRAILS" FLOWING FROM THOSE AIR FORCE TANKERS THEY ARE TOXIC HEAVY METALS AND OTHER CRAP YOU AND I ARE BREATHING DAILY. IT HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS SLOW POISONING, CAUSING UPPER RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS, BRAIN CANCER, AND OTHER CONDITIONS AND DISEASES. I AND MY FAMILY USE HIGH FILTRATION FILTERS IN OUR NOSES, WHAT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? GOOGLE "CHEMTRAILS" AND SPREAD THE WORD. THIS IS NOTHING SHORT OF EXTERMINATION. IF THIS ADMINISTRATION SAYS ITS FOR WEATHER CONTROL, THEN DAMMIT TELL US HOW WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES!!!! STOP CHEMTRAILS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from mary4us
April 17th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

What took so long? I have just finished a short book, written about 40 years ago, called: The Broken Web – How pollution affects your life. Pick it up at the library. Everyone should read it. SBN 8127-0058-9.

Comment from molly6745
April 17th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

i think that people should do something about this.

Comment from wereallone
April 17th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

There are some very scary comments on this blog and everyone seems to know "the truth". The Environmental Denfense Fund, by all accounts, is an organization with integrity and the people running it are not stupid. If they believe this is a real step in the right direction, I have faith in them that it is. I celebrate some positive news for a change, even if it is not perfect.

Comment from James "Rollin" Stone
April 17th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

This could literally be a matter of "life and death", for Humans as a surviving species, and Earth as a surviving planetary ecosystem. Though we should show our appreciation for any positive actions taken by our government, we cannot take that action for granted. And likewise we cannot allow entrenched corporate interests to unduly influence the speed with which those actions begin to make a difference. This is not about returning to a failed societal paradigm, with an economic system that is in no way sustainable, except in how it further enriches the status quo. This is about a complete and thorough change in the way we live together and alongside Nature. The sooner we quit thinking in terms of "bigger is better" or how much material wealth we can accumulate, the more likely the possibility that our grandchildren will be able to live on this planet in relative comfort. The longer we wait, the more likely the long term outcome will be unimaginably inhospitable for future generations. One road will leave a legacy of promise, the other a legacy of shame, stupidity and selfishness. This is not just another historical challenge. This is the historical challenge.

Comment from Cindy Rose
April 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

I don't care if Gore and Obama are the richest people on the planet by the time these caps are in place. What matters is that they are finally doing something about this mess that should have been handled years ago. And for those who think this is all a big conspiracy how did you feel about Bush going to war for more oil? I seriously doubt if he lost money on that disaster.

Comment from Lucien E Forbes
April 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

It is time to invest in Caribbean sugar cane ethanol producers and keep America green and create new wealth for our neighbors to the South.
CAFTA was implemented to create employment and establish the transfer of technology to the countries on our Southern borders to benefit the American Way of Life.

Comment from nancy
April 17th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

About time. Now if we can just educate the electorate and write laws that protect our Earth. The "bottom line" is a healthy environment, not financial profit.

Comment from Dale Le Fevre
April 17th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

It's past time. This should have been done 20 or more years ago. We are going to have to take big steps to right the wrong that has been done.

Comment from Mario Negovetich
April 17th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

Dear Lisa Jackson:
Mygreenpen is the answer to the discarding of 10 billion
plastic pens worldwide. Mygreenpen replace the ink filler when the ink run out and the cost is $ 0.30. cents. for a
replaceable ink filler, 1/6 the cost of a new pen. Anybody
care? After trying for one year to get a modest Bank loan
to start this business I'm ready to give up and sell the Domain and the T.M. No Goverment Agency or the Greentechnology.org have the courtesy to answer my request.
America could save every year hundreds of millions by embracing Mygreenpen. Only Yahoo is making money with the
display on Mygreenpen site a million plus Web pages add and
collect the income of 24. million clicks, a RECORD for a site under construction. Search ALEXA.com and compare clicks
enter wwwmygreenpen.com to verify the latest clicks traffic.
All green business should be evaluate and help to achive
the desired solution. Mygreenpen is a small item but ten
billions are tons of plastic tha do not disintegrate.
I hope with your help Mygreenpen will find the way to every
school in America. For details how Mygreenpen can save millions every year let me know your interest with your
Email contact. Regards, Mario Negovetich.

Comment from Larry Siegel
April 17th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

The devil is in the details. How are they going to deal with reducing carbon emissions? "Clean Coal"? Nuclear power plants? Or are they going to promote energy efficiency, wind, solar, wave power, plugin hybrids, decentraiized power supplies, etc.

Somewhere I read recently (either Gregg Palast or Jim Hightower) that other countries are investing FAR more in green technology than we are. If they corner the market on these emerging technlogies, where does that leave us in our ability to create jobs? Will we lose out again?

I recommend people read what Jim Hansen has to say about "cap and trade":

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/james-hansen-tax-c02-emitters-pay-citizens/

Comment from Ralph Hollingsworth
April 17th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

This is a positive step, and it is really important to again recognize the accepted views of the scientific community in national policy matters.

I would like to give credit for the folks who actually gathered and analyzed data on global warming in the early days. As a student, I was working at Battelle Memorial Institute, circa 1967, when a physical chemist in our group completed a research study. His name was Joseph Walling, and he is, to my knowledge, the first person to actually use real chemical data in examining atmospheric warming. How long it has taken……….

Comment from Kirk
April 17th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

This is teriffic. IF the govt. will not to cave into pressures from segments that will inevitably try to lower, or eliminate, this legislation.

Comment from Neal J. King
April 17th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

A good first start!

Comment from Nelle
April 17th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

Thank you Lisa Jackson! Perhaps now we will start getting serious about reducing our impact on Earth.

Comment from Dustin Collings
April 17th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

just want to thank people whose INGENUITY is helping the Earth with their ideas and inventions as COMPATRIOTS whose love and concern are stopping the crime called pollution or destruction of Gaia. thank you. good-bye.

Comment from ctc123
April 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

Consider the Connection to:
Environmental Conservation
Please Google Search:
CTC123GREEN
CTC = Consider the Connection
123 = 3 PHOTOS = 3000 WORDS
R.S.V.P.

Comment from Abdel-Aal Hassan
April 17th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

I'm grateful to Obama Administration for their efforts in convening this important hot topic of the Environment, It's become completely clear for all the world, even all of us have to take positive action towards the CO2 cutting, My view it doesn't possible to achieve these aims without behaviours of the households changing lifestyle to be Environmental friendliness through Incentive, increase taxes, and exemption taxes to be practical action through the global society, for so need to empower the policies by firmly legislations.

Comment from Mark Finn
April 17th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

Forget about cleaning up "global warming pollution" and just clean up the pollution. Isn't pollution bad enough regardless of whether it is warming the planet? Even if the conservatives are right and the warming is a totally natural process, we STILL need to clean up pollution.

Comment from Anson Chi
April 17th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Global warming is happening, BUT it's [b]not man-made[/b]—and it's already been proven: Mars is getting hotter, Jupiter is getting hotter, even the temperature of Pluto is getting hotter! Why?—the Sun is getting hotter! Just look at the temperature rise in recent decades; that's the reason for the global warming here on Earth, which is due to a natural phenomenon. Also, last I checked, car emissions don't fly all the way to Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto to cause their global warming! haha Governments around the world are using global warming as an excuse to issue carbon taxes, control land, pass complicit laws, etc. Besides, do you honestly believe a politician like Al Gore, who happens to be a blood-related cousin of George W. Bush?

SOURCES:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mars+is+getting+hotter&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
http://www.redicecreations.com/specialreports/2006/11nov/solarsystemwarming.html

Comment from Charles Griffin
April 17th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Please promote the end of the production of carbon-dioxide and nuclear radioactive waste by
publishing the status and the hope of the clean, plentiful energy from the fusion of boron to hydrogen, which releases the immense energy stored in the boron atom when it was formed along with other elements by the immense compression of protons by gravity during the formation of the planet earth…
The US Navy has contracted with http://EMC2Fusion.org to develop and construct boron-hydrogen-fusion power-plants to replace the carbon and uranium fueled propulsion equipment on all US Navy ships… for additional information go to http://focusfusion.org and/or go to Google for Tri Alpha Energy…

Comment from Laura McGowan
April 17th, 2009 at 4:08 pm

I never thought I'd see the day when the EPA would finally admit that global warming is a threat to us all. Individuals and organizations can talk til they are blue in the face & nothing will change, but once the government takes a stand, something can be done to stop the madness. How sad that it took this long for our government to see the light. It may be too late now, but we MUST try for the sake of the young.

Comment from myreina
April 17th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Governments are at least 50 yrs. late to the party and have almost cost us our planet or at least our civilization.
Look up from business as usual and save the planet from degradation and suffering.
There is no time left to fool around!!!!!

Comment from devin
April 17th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

This is great news. We are finally being progressive about dealing with this issue.

Comment from R. Hiebert
April 17th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

Emissions and pollution from the automotive segment come from petroleum based motor oils and ethylene glycol antifreeze, which is a lethal, deadly and toxic poison. Exhaust from vehicles that are in need of maintenance,of any description that are not equipped with synthetics will exhaust a higher level of toxins. Synthetic engine and drive lubricants that perform for up to a year between oil change intervals will keep used oils out of the environment. Propylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant is available now and lasts longer is more effective and non-lethal and non toxic as a coolant/antifreeze in any size vehicle and equipment.

Comment from Jane
April 17th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

How amazing to have an EPA actually saying they support protecting the environment. It just feels strange after all these years.

I've thought a lot about this. Why wouldn't anyone in their right mind choose "cleaner planet" over "more profit" even if you thought there was even a 10% chance of the environmentalist scientists being correct?

This may seem like a strange example, but please bear with me. You may know women, as I do, who had their breasts removed even though they were told by their doctors that they didn't have breast cancer. Yet they knew something wasn't right. They had at least a 10% warning sign that intuitively told them the doctor was wrong. MY friend was not willing to take that chance and she proved correct. It saved her life.

That's the best example I can come up with right now to say that the deniers are going against the odds. They can always find a "scientist" to side with them. Most of these scientists that I'm aware of appear to be politically motivated…or perhaps wanting to speed up "the rapture."

If there's even a remote chance, 10 percent or less, that our window of opportunity to turn this planet around is racing toward us at warp speed, WHY wouldn't everyone be willing to give up some of their profits to save their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren? I just don't get it.

But I'm thrilled to have our EPA once again talking the good talk. Let's keep a close eye on them and make sure they follow through.

Comment from B. Beauchamp
April 17th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

I am so elated to see that, 20 years too late or not, we are finally accepting that we have responsibility as the largest polluter of the last century. We are at last beginning to act as stewards of this world that we ALL share!

Comment from Anoop
April 17th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Too little but maybe not too late… We need to be a lot more proactive… We are in a grave emergency situation, is only an understatement. Hurry… save the eart while there is still some time..

Comment from HATIMI ABDELHADI
April 17th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Juste i want to thank people whose ingenuity is helping the earth with their ideas and inventions as compatriots whose love and concer are stopping the crime called POLLUTION ;THANKS YOU .HATIMI FROME RABAT CAPITAL OF MOROCCO.

Comment from Cat_Wrangler
April 17th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

My prayers…and 30 yr. worth of activism (much undone by Bush) make this a momentous day. Amen! Let's toast to a "less toasty future"
Blessings!

Comment from Joe the Electrician
April 17th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

We need to tax Polar Bear emissions, 'cause the methane they flatulate is harmful to my health.

Comment from Nina Shope
April 17th, 2009 at 5:24 pm

All I can say is thank God!!! There is absolutely no time to waste on this issue. The recent report that we can manage climate change's worst outcomes if we start on the issue ASAP only makes it clearer that we have very little time before this is out of our control completely.

Comment from Joe the Electrician
April 17th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

Mama nature will be just fine. Greenies solve one problem and cause two others in the process.

Comment from Steven Bergman
April 17th, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Hopefully, maybe we're finally getting in the right tract.
Just never seemed right that companies could put harmful pollutants into the environment, basically at no extra cost.

Pingback from EMF Journal
April 17th, 2009 at 5:41 pm

[...] go to the Green Room to share your thoughts on today's [...]

Comment from ladydi
April 17th, 2009 at 5:55 pm

DUH!! global warming is bad for our health!! It's hard not to be cynical–the EPA has been a worthless Republican tool for so long–but hey–let's try to be positive and look forward!

Comment from Geraldine Brylski
April 17th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Finally a government that is not telling the lies of big business and really cares about its citizens and the planet. Thank you so much future generations will applaude you and live because of you.

Comment from David
April 17th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

Rad! I hope they move this past accepting that they're bad and actually regulate.. strictly.

Comment from Joe the Electrician
April 17th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

So much for dialogue on the issue. The moderator has a retort for any objection to the global think. You realize that you've been aipping the cool-aid for much too long if you buy into this racket? Science has issued their findings and then supported them by framing the arguement with total disregard to evidence of the contrary. Follow the money. This is nothing more than a get-rich-quick scheme.

Comment from Ruth Marsh
April 17th, 2009 at 6:15 pm

Thanks Susan Norris for posting the Huffington Post article by Teryn Norris & Jesse Jenkins – they make an important point. We all need to call our reps and ask them to support acomprehensive climate-change bill. This EPA ruling is the FIRST step in the right direction, and must be followed by serious commitment in Washington BOTH to invest in clean energy and transportation technology (creating excellent jobs) AND to cap CO2 emissions.

Our window of opportunity to solve this global problem is NOW, within the next decade. That's how long it took us to get to the moon once the order was given by President Kennedy – so Obama's 'Apollo' moniker is apt. Now, as then, the US must take the lead. We need not fear the cost of reducing carbon emissions (in fact, there already are many, many new job opportunities in this area, esp. for engineers and innovators). We should, however, fear the cost of NOT reducing emissions.

I'm encouraged by all the positive responses to this EPA ruling! Every prayer, every conversation, every positive comment, every time we turn off a light or bike to work – it all matters; it all helps. I'm SO grateful to all of you!!

Comment from Joan
April 17th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

We are going to have breath of fresh air. We needed it after eight years of Bush and Cheney. I've using enviormental friendly light bulbs and the future I might get a hybrid car even though I have a mid size car and it doesn't use that much gas. I enjoy the wildlife around where I live too I have concert all the time with the birds singing. I have chipmunks and sometimes deer.

Comment from Mary
April 17th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

Yay! We're finally turning in the same direction as the rest of the world !!! I hope this will be a step toward a responsible longterm approach to environmental stewardship in the US. I just wish we could get the corporations who are investing millions of dollars into mass media propaganda & lobbying against environment stewardship to buy-in and invest those millions in energy alternatives and cleaning up the environment.

Comment from Jack Foster
April 17th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Golly! Somebody noticed the obvious!

Comment from Aero Ferguson
April 17th, 2009 at 6:33 pm

It is about time…and life!

Comment from rvanfleet
April 17th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

In this and most issues now being debated, I think it boils down to whether our government will continue to serve corporations that bribe them with campaign finance money or the interests of the majority of citizens, the rest of the world and the planet upon which we depend. As long as our only value is profit and "what's good for business" there is no hope. It's too bad our selfish destruction couldn't just extinquish Homo sapiens and let the worthwhile species survive.

Comment from Mike
April 17th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

I hate to say this, but global warming has been going on for thousands of years.

Comment from Francis X. Higgins
April 17th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Finally "scientific fact based" legislation, what a novel concept. Now please put some teeth into strict emmission limits and force the fascist corporate criminals to put human health and the welfare of the planet above greed and profit! Somehow I thinks the fight is from over!

Comment from Robert Latimer
April 17th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

In our local doctors waiting room we have a notice on a big easle, pronouncing "THIS WEEKS VIRUS" and then going on to outline the symptoms prelevent with this so called VIRUS. Coughing, Sneezing, Headaches, Sickness and nausea are the general description. The poison we have had to breath into our lungs just keeps the rich richer and the poor dying.
Too many years have gone by with this legasy. Now is the time to make the change, and turn it all around. Get rid of the polluters, we dont need em!
NO MORE Coal fired power stations! NO MORE petrol driven cars! Stop it NOW, not in 6 months! NOW!!!!

Comment from davidjames
April 17th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Legislation limiting CO2 emissions, if it is implemented, will prove to be disastrous for the environmental movement. The effects of increased CO2 levels have almost no effect on global warming. After putting everyone to a lot of trouble over many years, the net effect will be found to be indiscernible, & the movement will lose all credibility.

Comment from Faith
April 17th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

Hooray! This is a small step in the right direction and one that we should have taken years ago. We have had big oil, coal, and car manufacturers run this country for too long and the world is paying the price. Let's keep this change continue with better emissions standards on cars and power generation plants. Better yet, how about planting more trees to help 'eat' the carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Keep the progress going America and show the world that we can be a leader in global changes!

Comment from Richard Tracy
April 17th, 2009 at 8:26 pm

It's about time. Now maybe a carbon footprint tax is in order. You may be happy to know we at Sunsiaray are doing our part to help the global warming issue. Check us out at sunsiaray.com.

Comment from KS
April 17th, 2009 at 8:47 pm

Nice to see this happening after Massachusetts et al 2 years ago (in which the Supreme Court ruled that EPA could regulate carbon dioxide under the Clean Air Act language). I anticipate that this is the beginning of a really big and protracted fight between Congress and EPA. It's great to see how quickly Lisa Jackson operated given the magnitude of her decision.

Comment from jerryb
April 17th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

I don't understand why we have settled for a cap and trade system instead of a simple carbon tax. The cap and trade system was used in Europe and the major polluters were able to game the system. Auctioning off carbon credits will minimize the cheating but a carbon tax would still be so much simpler and more efficient. Even cap and trade is seen as too radical by the Republicans so why give in to them? However we need something to bring to Copenhagen this year.

Comment from llozano
April 17th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Looks like we are coming out of the Dark Ages and into the Enlightenment. I hope that this is followed by some real action towards a cap on CO2 and towards renewable energy solutions. The work is just beginning. As we can see from other issues moved on by this administration they are good at half measures which only lead to disappointment and frustration by those of us who support him. Now is not the time to celebrate; now is the time to push for real change so the policies we would like have a real chance for implementation.

Comment from justjoe
April 17th, 2009 at 9:11 pm

Wow – lots of responses on this so people are paying attention- yes I went to a tea party also.. this movement will definitely cost us lots of money — increased taxes on all forms of fuel and energy and that has already been talked about so just be ready for it, take off your blinders. Again it really comes down to personal individual responsible actions to best deal with excessive gluttinous usage of energy as I see it. The major problem is of course our own people but also that of the rest of the "civilized" ? , industrial nations of the world and I don't see them taking necessary steps to protect us and or themselves from pollution so our spending on this would just be a moot point as so many other things we waste money on. We cannot save the whole world, who do we think we are?? Bike to work or walk – or public transportation ? carpool ?? I admit I only bike to work in good weather so that limits me to around 6 months or less in Michigan– but it is a step in the right direction and I am at least thankful to be working!! Goodnight all..

Comment from epcraig
April 17th, 2009 at 9:33 pm

wWe can only hope it's not eight years too late as looks likely.

Comment from stephen coppola
April 17th, 2009 at 9:33 pm

really, does this need to be this difficult? why do we put capitalist and corporate concerns over individuals and quality of living so often?

this one seems like a no brainer, thank God, this administration is thinking and listening. and won't our automobile companies be stronger by having to develop car technologies rather than how many video screens can fit into a minivan?

Comment from greengar
April 17th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

Let's hope there's still time to turn things around. This is a long overdue step in the right direction, but still something that should have been done long before today. Blessings to all on the right side of this important issue and God save us from the others (you know; the one's who think they have an exclusive to wreak havoc on our Earth without consequence).

Comment from Robert Schreib
April 17th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

It's nice that they finally noticed the icecaps are melting! Also, if you guys are fighting global warming, please google Techrex's Blog on the 11thHourAction.com website, and if you see any global warming ideas there you like, please forward them to the REAL experts in global warming solutions. Thank you.

Comment from Alec
April 17th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

If this threatens our health as well, do something!

Comment from jay vasquez
April 17th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

this is a total crock. there is no global warming caused by man. all this will do is increase costs for everyone including the poor who can least afford it.

Comment from vanessa
April 17th, 2009 at 10:30 pm

Yes, I am glad that the US is finally recognizing what has been known for some time know. however it saddens me that it takes "human beings' health" to be effected for us to take these first steps towards reform. Wildlife and the environment have been paying the price for our selfishness for some time now.. A change is way over due.

Comment from kstenbch
April 17th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Landmark!!! I was wondering when Obama's EPA head would say something about global warming that is actually based on science as opposed to a faith based initiative. It's about time. maybe now we can get the ball rolling for real. DON'T LET THE RIGHT SHUT DOWN THE DEBATE!!!

Comment from jupiterssun
April 17th, 2009 at 10:41 pm

We can't even stop smoking. We raise taxes and were does that money goto, Bail out Auto industry
Give me a break
This Planet may just be going thru its phazes, But why do we poison every thing
This Planet can take care of it's self BUT don't expect to have a future here. The Dino's got snuffed WERE gonna snuff ourselves.

Comment from Don
April 17th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

Clever way to start to limit carbon emissions.

Comment from csommer
April 17th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Of course the auto and utility companies cry chicken little because they're feeling persecuted. Pity them.

Comment from HD Florence
April 17th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

It is about time the EPA actually recognized global warming as a fact of life and stopped representing the views of major polluters- No matter how much wealth they have. Perhaps now they will do a proper job. not the nonsense they have been promoting for years.

Comment from sean
April 17th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Better late than not at all. Period.

Comment from David
April 17th, 2009 at 11:16 pm

The Obama administration is a breath of fresh air.

Comment from Russ Kinz
April 18th, 2009 at 1:17 am

You guys and all of your wacky supporters are frauds preying on the fears of the gullible

Comment from GLN PRASAD
April 18th, 2009 at 1:18 am

Better late than never. Positive steps must be appreciated.
Present step will lead to future betterment. Let us all welcome it.

Comment from Rajesh
April 18th, 2009 at 2:07 am

Great step.

Comment from Nguyen
April 18th, 2009 at 2:36 am

Yes. Finally. A mere recognition of global warming in this critical period! I hope the motivation and determination of those for this issue would strengthen and continue to move congressmen to persist making real positive changes despite the ignorance of those who insist to be in denial.

Comment from veej
April 18th, 2009 at 3:44 am

Comment from Vee
April 18,2009 at 2:40 am

WE believe nasa is the main cause of global warming. They've said for years that the o-zone layer has a hole in it.
Just think how much fire goes into it from nasa.

Comment from Master_Minds
April 18th, 2009 at 5:26 am

at lost we take action on this broplem I hope we change our minds t the best of the world

Comment from Juli
April 18th, 2009 at 5:41 am

I'm really happy about this news. Even if it comes late, at least it comes. Try to be positive! It's good news!

Comment from Veteran Dr. A. Momin
April 18th, 2009 at 6:37 am

"Concerning Global-Warming: it is the compulsory duty of every UN members Country and even every human being to take care of it for the cause of good-health of our human-being, animal-being & Green-Globe longevity, to be in denial is the gross violation of UN-Human Rights while every country has signed for it" vet.dr.a.momin, NL / EU

Comment from Rajendran.A
April 18th, 2009 at 7:34 am

Stop Global Warming is process long terme duty of every Induvitual meber of Earth Humanbeing Responsible of our owne activity,out conseption over loss of Oxygen.never adding CO2,CO in the Air or air polution.

Avoiting of Petrolium product Feule it's major component of global warming efect.

minimised human population growth (STOP HUMAN PRODUCTION)

Gravitational force is a energy production of with out polutted in air or atmospheare

All Audomobile machens can be run with out feule (with force of Air)
This are component collectivily addapted in STOP GLOBAL WARMING This is Promotting
THE EARTH BALL LIVE One More Hundred Year. PLEASE STOP GLOBAL WARMING ALL OF RESPONSIBLE.

Comment from Dinesh Sharma
April 18th, 2009 at 8:31 am

It is a great pleasure and honor to extend my cordial thanks to you to the Global Environmentalist meeting here in Himalayan situated at pristine valley of Manali District Kullu (H.P.) Global climate change is realty. While the extent of human influence is under discussion, its very fact is undeniable. Fast climate change & Biodiversity changing in Himalayas is Dangerous for global environment. Environmental degradation is taking place alarmingly other developmental projects; Rivers, Lakes & ground water is going too polluted in Himalayas. There is genuine need to develop the capacity understanding the reason of climate change. Need to working at the grass roots level in diverse field line pollution control Biodiversity, protection of forest cover, soil conservation, noise control, urban water management, wildlife, animal rights of the people “Greenson” has planned to invite all scientists experts, principals, Teachers, Environmentalist actively involved on weather, climate change and biodiversity studies. Exposure to all aspects: – Such as better understanding regarding.
1. Conservation of threatened medicine plants

2. Local self help group promotion and their gender promotion .

3. Awareness for organic farming

4. HIV. aids program and awareness

5. Local people livelihood program

6. Ecological conservation and promotion by grassroots basis

7. Internship of volunteers in India and other countries.

8. Eco tourism , mountain adventure sports , mountain biking , trekking etc.

9. Global warming , climate change is dangerous for Himalaya, meeting with global

environmentalists every year.

10. Next event – How the tourism is helpful on the issue of global warming ?

11. Migrant labours children capacity building and promotion.

GREENSON NSC-88,NEAR VAN VIHAR,GOMPA ROAD MANALI, DISTRICT KULLU H.P. 175131 EMAIL-sankalp21@hotmail.com
Mobile-09318794188

Comment from Dinesh Sharma
April 18th, 2009 at 8:32 am

http://www.greenson.org

Comment from Larry L. Brown
April 18th, 2009 at 9:09 am

It's about time! For years scientists have been saying in overwhelming numbers that global warming is a real, imminent danger. I cannot believe there are still so many nay-saying "knuckle-draggers" that refuse to believe this danger is real. I'm sixty-five years old, and I would like to believe that our generation can leave my two grandchildren and their descendants a livable world. Unfortunately, so many nay-sayers are religious conservatives. To me religious believers should be the ones who are the most concerned about preserving God's creation.

Comment from goodearth
April 18th, 2009 at 9:20 am

This is the best news possible for every creature on this planet. Somehow we have lost our way and decided money was better that fresh air, clear water and good earth. We as humans have failed many times (look at all the societies that have vanished from this planet), and now we have evolved so quickly that the destruction may be permanent. I find it very sad that some people think this is political. If you have a friend with cancer, a child with asthma, a brother with leukemia all from undetermined factors you begin to question the safety of things around you. For those who don’t think the air should be monitored I ask you to live in parts of Michigan where the coal plants run. Let your children live ½ mile away. Ideally people should feel ashamed and responsible for polluting and thinking it will just go into the air and no one will be bothered by it. But they have to make money and they see others doing it or whatever explanation. Well that is not their air. Or water. Or ground. It belongs to all of us. Everything is connected. Everything. So if humans have to make laws so others can have their God given rights to live with fresh air, clean water and pure soil, so be it
How one can turn the fight for the basic rights of the people of Earth into some sort of political agenda is a sure sign they have some investments that will be affected. I salute you EPA!

Comment from James
April 18th, 2009 at 9:45 am

It's about time!! Just hope were not to late! To undo the damage that we all inflicted to our Mother Earth!

Comment from vytor
April 18th, 2009 at 9:52 am

Thank God! Finally! There is some sense in the White House. Looks like the Era of Hitler Bush will soon be behind us.

Comment from llbb
April 18th, 2009 at 10:46 am

Natural gas drilling needs to be put at the top of the agenda, and banned. Air quality in towns in Wyoming of under 1,000 people is rated worse than LA on a bad day – people are dying of endocrine disorders, water is undrinkable, animals can't reproduce… In what way is this 'clean' energy? This is like calling atom bomb testing 'safe'. And now the watershed for New York City, Camden, NJ and other east coast communities is targeted for drilling of 50,000 new wells within the next 18 months. Who is going to pay for bottled water for 12 million people? Certainly not the oil and gas industry.

We need a complete turn around on energy policy and pollution controls immediately. This is one step in that direction.

Comment from Tyler
April 18th, 2009 at 10:47 am

It didn't say anything about the second largest cause of global warming… AGRICULTURE.

Comment from Isabel Best
April 18th, 2009 at 11:02 am

I have been writing and writing through various EDF channels to try and get you to explain why cap and trade will work for us although it hasn't in Europe. Their pollution permit market CRASHED due to the financial crisis and now ENCOURAGES companies to pollute — in effect, they're getting paid for it.

PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS PUBLICLY, why and how cap and trade will work in our dismal financial circumstances although it didn't in theirs. Your cred on this issue will go down the drain if people think it's not only a tax issue but a scam.

Thank you.

Comment from John S. M., Sr
April 18th, 2009 at 11:04 am

We have encased the planet in gaseous blankets of crbon dioxide, methane, fluorosulfide that retain heat, particulate carbon soot that decreases insolation and might have a cooling effect, and we have sown the earth mercury to be taken up into the food chain. Now the phase of denial is ending, and we may begin to take action. In the next level of understanding, we will realize that individual consumption eventually has to be limited in proportion to the number of consumers here and worldwide. We are removing one set of blinders, but we cannot succeed until we remove the second set and lift the taboo on public discussion of demographic policy. Where LL is the lethal limit of pollution wherein death rate rises to equal birth rate, POP is population and PCP is pollution per capita, LL = PPC * POP.

Comment from Janet
April 18th, 2009 at 11:57 am

It's about time!!!

Comment from Carol
April 18th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

I believe it important to have a cap on emissions. I do not believe in cap and trade. It is too complicated and leaves room for a huge force to enforce it. The best article I read about this is written by Thomas Friedman who writes for the New York Times. He explains it better than I can. Look for the article online. He suggests a "simple, transparent, economy wide carbon tax.

Comment from Sydney Brady
April 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

It's difficult to have any sympathy for the industries which will be most directly affected by this hugely important decision. They have had YEARS to prepare for this moment, and years to create better products and technologies which would make the changes work. Instead they have dragged their feet in hopes that this day would never come. That's an enormous amount of time and opportunity wasted, at the expense of the entire planet and its environment.

Comment from virginia b
April 18th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

People all over have really opened up their eyes and their minds to enviromental issues. The more people showed their concerns, even companies responded- how many widely available green products are there now? Finally, the government is catching up and doing something that we've needed for a long time. We're a big country with lots of people, and it's great that the government will be doing it's part to help us taper down on pollution. Every little bit helps, and regulations should have a great impact. I'm really happy to hear about this news. The government at the moment is doing more and more for animals and the environment. This admin. is doing a lot, and I thank them for that!

Comment from maggiewilliams-bedan
April 18th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

Thank God we are finally on our way to stop pollution and clean-up our home the earth! Dirty lies and big business will spend millions trying to stop any policies toward these goals! We must all fight back and continue the battle!

Comment from Debbie
April 18th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Awesome, a step in the right direction at last. Hope it continues.

Comment from Sallie Dodd Butters
April 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Well, at LEAST it's a step in the right direction..now let's go after the Agribiz giants like Monsanto and Tyson et.al.

Comment from Shevie
April 18th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

The slowness of the government is amazing. It takes them years to figure out what the rest of us have known all along. But slow progress is still progress and I applaud the actions of the EPA.

I have to wonder, though, how they are going to place limits on cow burps and flatulence. You know, all the cattle that provide for people's meat and dairy needs? They generate a tremendous amount of methane every day.

Comment from earthmother1
April 18th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

It is good that our government recognizes the importance of this planet and not just money. If this planet dies, what good is money and things anyways. Nothing lasts forever, neither will life on this planet if the government doesn't take the advise of its people to protect it.

Comment from robert moeller
April 18th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

If WASHINGTON is supposed to lead, this is one area where having the right information is critical. Now after 8 years in the wrong direction, progress seems imminent. We must do the right thing or there many not need to be a government in Washington.

Comment from Marsha Jarvis
April 18th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

Bravo. Now let's make solar affordable for homeowners and reward them for providing extra energy to local businesses. Let's get plug in electric cars (powered by our solar panels and ramp up our mileage range to 400-600 miles per plug in. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Comment from dependence
April 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Kudos to the EPA – a big step forward toward opening up all the "GREEN" programs and jobs so badly needed.

Comment from momhamlet
April 18th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

As warm & fuzzy as I'd like to feel about the news, I suspect this may be way too little too late. I really hope in the desperate future we don't get the opportunity to take our dog and pony on the road and start polluting another planet. Paper or plastic?

Comment from Chrisdutch
April 18th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

We must start someplace. According to Prince Charles, we have 100 months.

Comment from davidjames
April 18th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

What expertize does Prince Charles have on this matter?

Comment from Curmudgeon
April 18th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

What a boondoggle. The earth has been COOLING for the past DECADE.

It's time for you folks to get a real job.

Comment from River Rat
April 18th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

Hey to Curmudgeon! You've got to go join Alice in Wondeland in that interesting place where everything is backwards and upside down.
Back here we're dealing with reality. If the earth is cooling then how come all the ice is melting? Why are thousands of pointers showing warming trends?
Alice is waiting for you …. go for it.

Comment from JoAnne
April 18th, 2009 at 9:48 pm

It's about time they realized that global warming endangers humans health! It has taken them entirely too long.

Comment from mjm88
April 18th, 2009 at 11:06 pm

GLOBAL WARMING…HAH!!!!!!!!
When are the powers that be going to address the issue of the aerial spraying that is going on all over the United States and the world? What are the consequences of this spraying? Who is paying for the spraying? Why does the weather change about 3 days after the spraying? Why is the spraying blocking the sun? LOOK UP! It's not right, yet no one is addressing this and how it has affected our health over the past ten years with an increase in upper respiratory problems and who knows what else? I would like to see real clouds in the sky, not the fake ones. This aerial spraying is what the Environmental Defense Fund should be addressing.

Comment from jrfrederickphd
April 18th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

The regulations need to be results oriented. Recycling C02 into something useful should be the same as carbon sequestration.

Comment from jolsen
April 19th, 2009 at 12:06 am

This is fantastic news. The policy of suppression of scientific studies and delay of action, and deference to the influence of big oil and big coal under the Bush administration is officially over. This EPA research has been available for some time now, but the Bush administration failed to act on it, in violation of federal law. Anyone who is truly interested in the implications of global climate change and is concerned about the inheritance we are leaving for future generations should check out the websites of EPA and NASA, and read Lester R. Brown's just-published article in Scientific American, May, 2008. The concensus within the scientific community has been for some time that global climate change is being caused by humans – we've upset the balance. The idea that Al Gore or Barack Obama is setting us up is complete propoganda. We are at a crucial point, or maybe even beyond that point, but at last the truth is out, and now we can start to deal with this problem. This is the best news coming out of the White House in a very long time.

Comment from weatherdude
April 19th, 2009 at 12:38 am

blah,blah,blah! Take a look at this: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25349683-601,00.html

People,I hope that a climate bill NEVER passes,and I will pray that it does not happen

Comment from laustin
April 19th, 2009 at 1:18 am

I am very concerned about what I read today in the LATimes, that the EDF president proposes giving coal-driven economies (the midwest and south)extra years to stop using coal. Since when have we concluded that we have extra time for anything????The snowcaps are already melting, communities displaced, species declining, etc., etc., etc.! If this had been proposed in the 50's, even 60's, it might have been reasonable! Today, NO! Esp. while we have a president that is willing to do what needs to be done! Wait 10 years and not only might it be too late, but we might have another Bush on the 'throne'! This kind of thinking should NOT be coming from EDF of all places!

Comment from rick
April 19th, 2009 at 5:21 am

I SUPPORT the governments efforts to reduce "greenhouse gas" emissions; and to reduce our dependancy on oil by developing renewable engery!

Some will say that "it costs too much to reduce emissions", but I say "the cost of doing nothing to reduce emissions is FAR GREATER!"

Comment from Roger
April 19th, 2009 at 9:51 am

Keep up the good work! The more knowledgeable the public is the more pressure we can put on industry and government to change for the better. Once more people understand just how much opportunity and potential is available, then we will have the numbers to make some real changes. Here are some books & films I recommend: Books (Factor Four, Limits to Growth), Films (11th Hour), Youtube (What are we waiting for?, The Future of Food) By 2020 we should be driving PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or EV Electric Vehicles, and have buildings & houses that produce energy not use it. We also need to have more programs for collecting household waste for biogas (electricity & heat production) and decentralized mini grids like in northern Europe that use CHP Combined Heat Power plants. This is just a start…so let's get going!

Comment from Czifrak Iosif
April 19th, 2009 at 10:06 am

What its hepend by ecological motors , zero poluted motors , http://www.perendev-power.com , http://www.alterntech.com , http://www.keppemotor.com , http://www.r-charger.com . End many invention of PERPETUMMOBILE style .

Comment from Tony G
April 19th, 2009 at 10:16 am

Quote: "… emission standards for new motor vehicles and new coal-fired power plants, *the nation's two largest sources of global warming pollution*." But what happened to domestic heating, said to contribute nearly half of UK's carbon dioxide emissions. Surely now is the right time to give legislative support for green building!

Comment from betty
April 19th, 2009 at 2:26 pm

I live in WV where a lot of economy is based on caol mining. While I share EPA's view that now is the time to stop emissions that effect our world, I also want some since in this matter. Raising electric rates, gas rates and others during this difficult economic time will also hurt a lot of people. Also, many are fighting the use of coal liquification and more effectent plants. Lets' not throw "the baby out with the bath water." I'm on a "fixed" income and find any increase in utilities very difficult to handle.
Yes, I'm for fixing the environment and helping all the animals in distress because of global warming; but don't forget some humans are also in distress.

Comment from Iowaperson
April 19th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

At least this is heading in the right direction in getting polluting corporations to think in terms of their accountability. But the real problem is that Americans still don't want to own up to the cost of luxury. NEED LESS! USE YOUR BIKE! STOP USING PLASTIC! PETITION YOUR GROCER TO STOP BUYING PRODUCTS WITH TOO MUCH PACKAGING! AMERICANS NEED TO START CHANGING THEIR OWN HABITS! IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT SUPPLY AND DEMAND. THOSE PRODUCTS WE BUY ARE EXPENSIVE IN TERM OF THE RESOURCES IT TAKES TO CREATE, SHIP AND PACKAGE THEM. LET'S TAKE BACK OUR LIVES FROM THIS CONSUMERIST NIGHTMARE.

Comment from 1618rc
April 19th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

Recognizing the dangerous influence of carbon emissions on our health and on the health of our planet is a first step….hope that the EPA will not only have a role of enforcing and imposing fines. The real change and the real innovation will come also from small companies who need help from the EPA in navigating the complex regulations and have their "green technologies" approved and supported, not with funds, but with real technical assistance.Someone should write a book not only on the success stories of the companies described in Fred Krupp book, but also on the interactions between government agencies and the small, grass roots companies who are slowly helping to build a sustainable environment.

Comment from Catmoves
April 19th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

There should also be a law banning any political party from claiming, or denying that they have anything at all to do with a bill like this. The rhetoric and falsehoods they will throw up will be more of the same old crap. Pretending either of them gives a damn about the World, America, you, or whatever state you live in. We need to to put a rider on the bill that will fine any political party 14 times the national American debt with a clause that will melt the party into nothing if the fine is not paid within 30 days of being levied. Then, I will vote for it.

Comment from Dick Jones
April 19th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

This is pure Baloney. I bet most people agreeing with this stuff do not know what the major "greenhouse gas" even is. CO2 is a very minor GrnHs gas Read "Climate Confusion" by Climatologist Roy Spencer & you will learn exactly how little CO2 has to do with anything. Follow the $$$ people and it will lead to those who will profit the most from all this misinformation.

Comment from Richard - AZ
April 19th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Until the Democratic Party and all its parts(DCCC, DNC, DSC, et al) band together to put 2+ more Democratics in as Senators, this whole effort, by our great President Obama team, great as it is, it will continue to be embattled by the republicans and conservatives. The 2010 Senatorial election is the next great hurdle which MUST be overcome if we are to put this country back on the great path.

Comment from hostaholic
April 19th, 2009 at 9:15 pm

This is great news! Now what can we in Michigan do to stop the fast-tracking new coal-fired plants that are pushing their way through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality process?

Bev Wolf

Comment from winkgame
April 20th, 2009 at 12:10 am

Duh… People have never looked worse and the environment is so polluted I have to flush my ass out daily to think clearly. Can you believe this??? I am being sincere here.
And in addition to this there is no Oxygen left in the air.

What I am logging on today for is to discuss the meat and dairy industry.

If the world populace will take the time to read the book Diet for New America, they will truly understand that this Industry is the #1 cause for pollution in the world. It pollutes the soil, the air, the water, and uses up our precious energy resources.

The animals that people eat are so full of steroids and toxic waste and not only do people ingest these they also ingest the tortured emotions of the animals to go with the meal.

Until there is a global shift in the mental state of the human species there will be no change or very minimal change. This is a lifestyle choice and a sacrifice of the indulgence factor of Americans especially who consume into the void. It is just a weaning off process and then tastes will change.

I am a Vegan and I truly believe in this lifestyle.
I don't even eat fish. Ok, people need a spoon of fish oil every 3 months or so. Fine. I don't need it. I believe that we can't afford to pillage the ocean anymore. Our whole food chain system is suffering greatly to put it mildly.

In addition to this I am researching non-profit organizations especially by following the CNN news. I am looking into Sharon Stone and Madonna's Aids charity as well as the Mayan fruit that will aid in the hunger and rainforest preservation causes. I also noticed on the Tropicana carton that there is a link to purchase? or save a plot of rainforest territory.

I truly feel as one who as been experimenting with personal diet and energy options that avocado especially, lemons, seaweed, hemp seed, jalapenos, and tomatoes provide one with a darn near perfect diet. Avocados are higher in potassium than bananas and contain folic acid and copper. I eat 2-3 a day now and feel amazing.

I will say this let's feed the Africans with Avocados and Lemons to start with. Grain is a hassle and it isn't from a seed bearing plant.

Whomever would like to discuss these points with me further contact me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/winkthinksinink
Thank you.

XO
Wink Game

Comment from Dhaivat
April 20th, 2009 at 1:05 am

This is good news and keep it up. Save our environment.

Comment from Dhaivat
April 20th, 2009 at 1:27 am

This is good news and keep it up.

Comment from Abel
April 20th, 2009 at 2:25 am

it is a good news and global warming should know it is all about time to make a history, in this world is one step at a time, i believe we are in free world,thanks and keep it up

Comment from SONE EPIE Sylvanus
April 20th, 2009 at 3:36 am

This action will have a course effect positively on other governments through out the World, to rethink on their legal stands vis a vis pollution and the environment.I think this is what we have been waiting for years. I pray God will guide this action.
THANKS.

Comment from norman
April 20th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

It is unfortunate that the science of global warming is based on such things as oinion and incomplete models that now a government agency is basing major policy positions on what is clearly bad science. If those who support the notion that the planet is warming up then prove it! Don't rely on just opinion. Opinions are as common as butts and just as odorous. Most have little value. If you opinnion is based on inomplete science then your opinion is invalid.

Most global environmental scientists are no longer supporting the position that global warming exists as postulated. 31,000 against and 3000 support global warming as caused by human actions. While neither side really has settled their arguement there is still doubt.

We should do the research. Find the correct answers adn not just folllow such hypocritically inaccurate clowns as Al ( really boreing ) Gore, and his ilk.

The epa doesen't even operate constitutionally!

No more spitting or whatever into the wind tonight.

Comment from Old Sol
April 20th, 2009 at 8:43 pm

As with any issue of major importance, its way to complex to address in sound bites and short forum responses. This is why this is an astronomical achievement for those of us that are trying to make up for lost time and do something about the crisis at hand.

It's amazing we've made the progress we have considering there is so much money at stake and those who push the drug have so much more of it than us.

If you've already noticed the oil and natural gas industries have launched a huge national media campaign to try and sway the public against any new taxes on their products. Using fear again that these new taxes will doom the economy, when in fact if we stay on the current free ride we will reach a point of no return and not be able to recover.

This is a direct result of the victory with the EPA. They know that the next step is a cap and trade program that will finally tip the balance in favor of alternative energies.

Remember they don't care about misinforming the voter, so we must be more diligent in telling the truth.

Comment from Kathryn Hodge
April 20th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

I have been so morbidly afraid that things would turn sour and the government would not do anything to help rectify the situation. Our world is in peril! We have created a gas and coal monster that fears harnassing…we have set ourselves up for death and destruction if we do not turn the co2 situation around immediately. Thank you for working to save this world for humans young and old! Vote solar, wind, clean, green, change is desperately needed for a new lease on life (literally)!

Comment from Mark
April 21st, 2009 at 9:07 am

I have always been for clean air and water but I am suspicious of those pushing global warming when the past eleven years have not been warmer, the past two cooler than normal and the warming years coincided with increased solar activity. Some are pushing this that will gain finacially when the bottom line is we need to improve the quality of our air.
In regards to the carbon cap, when those who exceed buy credits from those who dont does anyone believe the extra cost will not be extended to the consumer, thats what they mean by the tax, it wont be called a tax but we will pay anyway and the big guys are still polluting the air just paying those who dont emitt as much. Why not make all who spew toxics into the air reduce the amounts that they emitt thereby reducing the overall amount.

Comment from pete
April 21st, 2009 at 9:46 am

The biggest source of dioxin, and who knows how many other nasty things, as well as a major contributer to water pollution from the runoff, is the opening air burning of trash, brush, leaves and literally anything that is flamable. This is a common practice in rural areas, and seems to get no attention what so ever from the media or any environmental organization I'm aware of. On the local level, most people could care less, so it has to be made a federal case. Will the EPA do anything?

Comment from ritamaldonadobear
April 21st, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Bravo, somewhat late but, thanks to the Obama administration we are finally there. May it truly help us to avoid catastrophe.
Rita Maldonado-Bear

Comment from Old Sol
April 21st, 2009 at 10:11 pm

Yes the Titans will pay to pollute with CO2, they always do what they want regardless of the interests of the public. They will also pass along the costs to us regular guys, as they do now with the cost of anything that gets in their way. But with a cap and trade system in place it will level the playing field. The CO2 polluters will be paying the way for a shift to renewables, until the point comes when it will no longer be economically viable to use fossil fuels.

The long term trend in climate change shows that it is indeed getting warmer, and that humans are causing this effect. The data does not say that the climate has been cooling in the past 11 years. There have been short cooling periods usually attributable to such phenomenon as volcanic eruptions putting particulate mater into the atmosphere. These aberrations are expected but the groups that defend fossil fuels grasp at anything to dissuade or distract the public from the truth. We should be beyond these distractions by now.

Comment from Rachel M Hervey PHN
April 26th, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Folks: To have let things go for so long makes me say, "We are green" in a different sense of the word. In the dictionary green can mean, simple, unsophisticated, gullible and naive (dumb). Why, if this isn't true, have we paid so little attention to our planet ? Why have we waited until it is, almost, too late to save ? We are good at using things up. Now, it might be beyond time give back to save our planet. Best we try ! Sincerely,

Comment from Old Sol
April 27th, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Carbon Sequesterization scares me. What happens in a catestrophic event that releases all that stored CO2 in to the atmoshere at one time?

Comment from al
May 8th, 2009 at 7:27 pm

I just cannot believe the power of hypnotic persuasion the left press has imposed upon the masses. Do all you REALLY believe that anyone can change the climate?
If this was possible, why do we still have tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, etc?
Why can't we make rain when our plains crops so badly need it? Or when it could help end the so many thousands of acres destroyed by forest fires?
BECAUSE WE CANNOT CONTROL THE CLIMATE!
No one has proved even one iota that anything proposed will do one ounce of prevention. NO ONE!
This is another crisis proposed by a small group that stands to make TRILLIONS on all that will be required of our industries. And we will end up having more unemployment as each industry caves to the burden of tax.
Let's do something productive. Drill, build refineries, produce cars with better mileage WITHOUT the CAFE standards.
Let's get the right, truthful people into government. Listen to what is really being said. Read what the scientists are writing.
I am going to try to undo the mass hypnosis that all you left wingers are under, as I count sdrawkcab and snap my fingers.
SNAP, three, SNAP, two, SNAP, one, WAKE UP!

Comment from B
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Isn't it amazing how much the EPA has changed since Obama took office as opposed to the stumbling block that Bush encouraged?

Comment from HHO
August 26th, 2009 at 9:38 am

I know how many feel about the hydrogen generators for cars, but one thing all those against this technology seem to overlook is the fact that they reduce carbon emissions. Even those who do not agree about hho saving fuel agree that these devices greatly reduce pollution. I think the EPA should do further studies on this.

Comment from garvin ayo
September 24th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

at last the blindfold has fallen…keep it up guys.

Comment from political humor games
January 16th, 2010 at 7:56 pm

I REALLY liked your post and blog! It took me a minute bit to unearth your site…but I bookmarked it. Would you mind if I threw up a link back to your post? I have a Political Commentary site of my own at White Rabbit Cult. Thanks!   I enjoyed reading your writing!