EPA Proposes Mandatory Reporting on CO2 Emissions
File under Useless and Stupid.
EPA Press Release, 03/10/2009, [here]
(Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.
“Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment – all without placing an onerous burden on our nation’s small businesses.” …
Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are produced by the burning of fossil fuels and through industrial and biological processes. Approximately 13,000 facilities, accounting for about 85 percent to 90 percent of greenhouse gases emitted in the United States, would be covered under the proposal. …
I guess onerous is in the eye of the beholder. Step 1: bury them with paperwork. Step 2: tax them into oblivion. Step 3: bankrupt the country. Step 4: huddle in the cold and dark.
None of this red tape nightmare will change the temperature of the planet one iota.
The direct emission sources covered under the reporting requirement would include energy intensive sectors such as cement production, iron and steel production, and electricity generation, among others. …
The production of greenhouse gasses by the Federal lands No Touch, Let It Burn, Watch It Rot program is exempt.
EPA estimates that the expected cost to comply with the reporting requirements to the private sector would be $160 million for the first year. In subsequent years, the annualized costs for the private sector would be $127 million.
Chump change. What’s a few hundred $million to an economy sinking into insolvency, anyway. Besides, the burden will be passed on to those least able to afford it.
EPA is developing this rule under the authority of the Clean Air Act. The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.
Two, count ‘em, two. The hearings will be nowhere near vast majority of the impacted citizenry.
More information on the proposed rule [here]
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
Please call Cathy. She’s waiting to hear from you.
