U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of C02 regulation

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that U.S. environmental officials have the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. This means that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are indeed considered air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and that the Bush administration broke the law in its refusal to limit emissions of these gases. The court decision was divided 5-4 with its most conservative members dissenting. This is the first high court decision in a case involving global warming, brought on by states and environmental groups.

"As a result of today's landmark ruling, EPA can no longer hide behind the fiction that it lacks any regulatory authority to address the problem of global warming." --Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley

See Court rules against Bush in global warming case.

Earthjustice led a coalition of states, municipalities, and environmental and public health groups in challenging EPA's inaction. See the statement from Earthjustice attorney Howard Fox: High Court Rules Clean Air Act Gives EPA Authority to Fight Global Warming.