Lawmaker Warns Industry: Back Climate Bill or Face EPA Regulation

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, a key figure in drafting climate legislation, has warned industry representatives that they can either work with Congress to draft a bill reducing greenhouse gas emissions or face potentially tougher regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Speaking at a clean energy conference, the chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy and Global Warming said that the EPA is soon expected to rule that greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health and should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. “Now you have a choice,” said Markey, (D-Mass.). “Do you want the EPA to make the decision or would you like your congressman or senator to be in the room and drafting legislation? So we think that this is a very helpful development that focuses the mind.” Markey is co-sponsor of carbon cap-and-trade legislation that will be debated in his committee next week. The EPA action, which could come as early as next week, will be based on a 2007 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that the agency has the authority to regulate CO2 emissions under existing federal law.