| High Court Approves EPA Rule Reducing Greenhouse Gases |
| Written by Daniel Stouffer | |
| Wednesday, 29 April 2009 | |
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The EPA rule categorizing greenhouse gases as a pollutant has now been approved by the US Supreme Court. As these gases have found to be harmful to the climate, due to the inability to dissipate once released into the air, they will now be further regulated. The gases are found in ventilation and air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, vehicles, refrigeration and cooling units, power plants, and a number of other man-made processes.
The EPA rule categorizing greenhouse gases as a pollutant has now been approved by the US Supreme Court. As these gases have found to be harmful to the climate, due to the inability to dissipate once released into the air, they will now be further regulated. The gases are found in ventilation and air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, vehicles, refrigeration and cooling units, power plants, and a number of other man-made processes. The EPA rule has stated that greenhouse gases "may endanger public health and welfare" and the new ruling enables the agency to enforce regulations which have been laid out under the US Clean Air Act. Even if the US Congress fails to act, this authority would be binding. Passed on April 17, 2009, the EPA rule stresses strict regulations on carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases. These offenders have been shown to harm the public and the environment and the endangerment finding puts those facilities that use certain chemicals on notice that they must begin phasing out usage and turning to alternatives. A 60-day public comment period has been opened up by the feds following the US Supreme Court's approval of the EPA rule. Once this comment period closes, the findings will go into the Federal Register, forcing the EPA to implement its rules and regulations if the US Congress has not enacted a law by that time. It is now clear, following the recent EPA rule, the facilities who use environmentally harmful chemicals must accelerate the efforts to find efficient and cost-effective ways to both track and report emissions. The Obama administration and other global leaders have pledged to improve air quality and reduce global warming. More than 7 billion tons of greenhouse gases are discharged in the United States each year. The EPA rule is designed to reduce these harmful emissions by targeting industries that are the worst offenders. Among them are coal-fired power plants, stationary pollutants, such as facilities using refrigerant gas, industrial sources and motor vehicles. As a result of the previously approved EPA rule and the most recent court ruling, many facilities are turning to automated refrigerant tracking software developed by vendors in the asset procurement and energy management business. The regulations limit the production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, such as those found in refrigerant gas. An existing phaseout of refrigerant gases, used in the air-conditioning, fire suppression systems and commercial cooling is in addition to the EPA rule. Headed by the new president, the US administration has plans to include a cap and trade system, which will encourage companies to invest in greener methods. Final rulings from the EPA are expected which will propose standards that must be met to avoid incurring fines and penalties. The Article Author: Daniel Stouffer has a lot of information on the importance of the EPA rule and why the refrigerant-tracker can benefit you. |
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