The LookoutEPA to Texas: If you won’t regulate carbon, we will
The Obama administration is escalating a feud with the state of Texas over fighting global warming.
Under Governor Rick Perry (pictured), a conservative Republican, the Lone Star state has refused to use its state permitting program to enforce new federal rules that regulate greenhouse gases through the Clean Air Act, and has sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the mandates. Now, the EPA is saying it plans to take control of the permitting program, to ensure that the rules are enforced, reports the New York Times.
"The unwillingness of Texas state officials to implement this portion of the federal program leaves EPA no choice but to resume its role as the permitting authority," an agency official informed the state in a letter this week.
A Perry spokeswoman responded: "This paints a huge target on the backs of Texas agriculture and energy producers by implementing unnecessary, burdensome mandates."
Other states have sued the EPA over the global warming rules, but only Texas has refused to follow the rules while the court process is under way. And thanks to its large number of refineries and power plants, Texas produces more carbon dioxide than any other state.
Over the last few years, Perry has gained a nationwide profile for his strident opposition to federal authority, writing a book called "Fed Up!" and even musing about secession.
The Obama administration had hoped to have Congress pass legislation regulating global warming pollution. But after passing in the House, the measure stalled in the Senate, and its prospects in the next session appear even bleaker. As a result, the EPA is playing a central role in the effort to reduce emissions.
(Photo: AP/Harry Cabluck)
