President Obama Announces Emissions Regulation Plans, Congress Dithers

A Bittersweet Achievement On Climate

President Obama’s announcement on Tuesday that he will use his executive authority to regulate carbon-dioxide emissions from existing power plants, and to finalize rules for plants that have yet to be built, is reason to celebrate — but also an occasion for mourning. The announcement reflects Congress’s refusal to pass serious laws to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. Ultimately, if America is to fully contribute to an effective global response to the perils of a warming planet, Congress must stop dithering.

Editor's Note: This was written and published by participants in the Aspen Institute Forum on Global Energy, Economy and Security.

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