This week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally announced their intent to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). This action, taken in the form of an "endangerment finding" gives the agency the power to regulate GHGs under the Clean Air Act.

In their announcement, EPA stated that "after a thorough examination of the scientific evidence and careful consideration of public comments, EPA announced ... that GHGs threaten the public health and welfare of the American people. EPA also finds that GHG emissions from on-road vehicles contribute to that threat."

Previously, EPA had not classified GHGs as a danger to human health and therefore took no action under that act, but with this latest announcement, the is now able to act unilaterally to reduce emissions from a variety of sources throughout the U.S. economy.

"This action by EPA puts pressure on Congress to come up with a legislative solution," said United Fresh Vice President of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Kam Quarles. "If EPA moves forward aggressively, the economic impact could be huge.  However, legislation could preempt or constrain EPA's discretion in regulating emission sources, including many that are either on the farm, involved in production of inputs or throughout the agriculture supply chain."

This announcement comes at the beginning of the two-week international climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.  The impact of EPA's action, coupled with any agreements between world leaders that may arise from the conference, will have an impact on Congress as they consider climate change legislation.

For more on United's work on climate change, please contact Kam Quarles at 202-303-3400 ext. 427.