Obama Has a Backup Plan if Waxman-Markey Bill Fails

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), President Obama has a back-up plan in case the Waxman-Markey Bill fails to pass through the senate.

It has now been almost five months since Congress narrowly passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES).  The lack of progress on turning the ACES Act into law has caused concern both nationally and internationally.  With the largest conference on climate change in world history looming in two months, global leaders have begun to question America's commitment to stemming global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet, according to senior EPA official Dennis Leaf, even if the climate bill fails, President Obama will regulate U.S. greenhouse gas emissions under the existing Clean Air Act.  The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases are air pollutants that should be covered under the Clean Air Act.  The EPA was asked by the Supreme Court to investigate the effects of greenhouse gases on public health.  Since then the EPA has proposed to classify six key greenhouse gases, including CO2 and methane, as detrimental to public welfare.  If the final EPA decision approves the proposal, then the agency will be able to set binding limits on these gases.

As Leaf explains, "the president wasnts comprehensive legislation, but at the same time there's a back-up plan."  The question that remains is, is Plan B good enough?

Read the full story at EurActiv:  US official: We have a backup blan in climate bill fails

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