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GCN in Copenhagen: US regulator move boosts climate talks

08 December 2009

International climate negotiations have received a boost from the US with news that its federal environmental regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is within its rights to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases even if the Senate does not approve legislation to cap emissions. The news is expected to increase international confidence in the US's willingness to act on climate change.

The EPA ruling comes at the end of an inquiry into whether carbon dioxide and other gases pose a risk to human health and therefore fall within the regulator's purview. An initial ruling in April had been left open for public comments, but the EPA confirmed on 7 December - the opening day of the Copenhagen summit - that it could now press ahead and regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The Obama administration is however believed to favour persuading the Senate to pass climate legislation.

In October 2009, the Global Climate Network covened a meeting of environmental regulatory heads from around the world to discuss how each could support national efforts to reduce emissions. Those involved - including from the US EPA, Korea's regulator and a top official from Brazil's environment department - strongly supported an enhanced role for regulators and for finance to be made available to build regulatory capacity especially in developing countries.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5B63ZU20091207

Contact - a.pendleton@ippr.org