US EPA Issues "Endangerment" Finding-- Greenhouse Gases Pose Threat to Public Health and Welfare

After a review ordered in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed finding that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. The proposed finding does not contain any regulations.

The proposed finding identified six greenhouse gases that pose a potential threat: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The finding concludes that the impacts of climate change due to greenhouse gases could include higher ground-level ozone,  increased drought,  more heavy downpours and flooding, more frequent and intense heat waves and wildfires,  greater sea level rise,  more intense storms, and harm to water resources, agriculture, wildlife and ecosystems.

It has not yet been determined whether Congress will enact legislation or whether EPA will implement regulations under the Clean Air Act.

To read the proposed finding, click here.