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EPA Endangerment Finding
I'm a bit behind the ball on this one (I was dealing with a certain luggage problem when this came out) but the EPA finalized its "Endangerment Finding" for greenhouse gases, which is the first step in establishing regulations for reducing GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act. It came out too late in the day to impact things much in Copenhagen today, but the COP15 website did make note of it, and I expect it to have at least some impact tomorrow.
I personally think the CAA would be a terrible way to reduce GHGs, but at the very least, it gives negotiators here some assurance that the US can act even if a climate bill fails in Congress. Hopefully, it will give US Senators a kick in the pants to get things moving.
EPA GHG Endangerment Finding webpage
COP15 website article
Speaking of the Senate, Energy & Environment News PM reported last Friday that it was 'very possible' that a draft of the Kerry/Graham/Lieberman compromise could be released during COP15. This would also be a great shot in the arm for the talks, but I think it will need to come in the next 2-3 days, while the lower-level negotiators are still talking, to make the most impact. Once the high-level ministers get here, all of the options will have locked in the uncertainty of US action.
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Posted By: Thomas Lee @ 3:27 AM |