Not Everyone Can Be a Decider

Timing of EPA decision on vehicle greenhouse-gas regulation still a mystery

Posted at 10:18 AM on 05 Mar 2008

When will the U.S. EPA decide whether to regulate vehicle greenhouse-gas emissions? EPA head Stephen Johnson testified in the Senate Tuesday that he just couldn't say, even though it's been nearly a year since the agency was directed by the Supreme Court to make that decision. When asked whether any EPA staffers were currently working on the issue, Johnson said he didn't know. "The only conclusion I can reach is you are under pressure not to do anything," replied exasperated Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). "This is the Environmental Protection Agency, not the administration protection agency." Johnson had originally promised to respond to the court ruling by last fall, but then said it wouldn't happen until late 2008 -- shortly before, presumably, a new administration will put him out of a job.

sources:  Associated Press, The Mercury News
see also, in Grist:  EPA unions withdraw from cooperation agreement, EPA won't let California enact vehicle greenhouse-gas limits