White House Comments Dismiss Seriousness of Global Warming

June 20th fax reveals White House comments to EPA on climate science

Posted: 22-Sep-2008; Updated: 22-Sep-2008

Just as a critical hearing on solving our global warming crisis is about to take place, disturbing comments on an EPA document reveal the White House's lack of seriousness on the issue. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on September 23rd, on the regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases. (Learn more about the ruling.) In response, EPA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on July 11, 2008, that sets forth common sense pathways for taking action to address global warming pollution today.

While EPA staff have offered a menu of cost-effective approaches, they have encountered fierce resistance from the White House. (Read more about White House's past moves to block efforts to regulate greenhouse gases.)

A June 20th fax [PDF] from the White House Office of Management and Budget to EPA — submitted during the development of EPA's advance notice of proposed rulemaking — provides a disturbing look at the views of the White House forces that have steadfastly obstructed progress in addressing global warming.