Greenhouse Gases Face Supreme Test

The federal government's mission to avoid regulating vehicle and industrial emissions that affect global warming may have run out of gas.

On Wednesday the Supreme Court will hear a case that will decide whether or not greenhouse gases are pollutants, which the Bush Administration denies.

Per the San Francisco Chronicle:

The ultimate issue in the case is whether the federal government must regulate vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases under the provision of the Clean Air Act mandating regulation of pollutants that "may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare."

The EPA has tried to escape regulating greenhouse gas emissions stating they are not pollutants, which is the limit of the federal government's authority. It's time to wake up and smell the warming folks. Of course this administration will likely create a set of toothless guidelines (see Clear Skies and Freedom Car Initiatives) to appease the auto and energy industries, so the burden of regulating the stuff that comes out tailpipes and chimneys will like remain with the states and municipalities.

If the Court sides with the EPA, it will be further proof that the judicial branch of government is out of step with the populace.