EPA's Bold Move

If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.

  - Bertrand Russell

Not sure if I can even link to this... but hey it was funny enough that it should spread

The EPA has classified Carbon Dioxide as a human health hazard...

EPA’s proposed endangerment finding is based on rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific analysis of six gases – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride – that have been the subject of intensive analysis by scientists around the world. The science clearly shows that concentrations of these gases are at unprecedented levels as a result of human [motor vehicle] emissions, and these high levels are very likely the cause of the increase in average temperatures and other changes in our climate. 

The scientific analysis also confirms that climate change impacts human health in several ways. Findings from a recent EPA study titled “Assessment of the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone,” for example, suggest that climate change may lead to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant. Additional impacts of climate change include, but are not limited to: 

• increased drought;
• more heavy downpours and flooding;
• more frequent and intense heat waves and wildfires;
• greater sea level rise;
• more intense storms; and
• harm to water resources, agriculture, wildlife and ecosystems.

In proposing the finding, Administrator Jackson also took into account the disproportionate impact climate change has on the health of certain segments of the population, such as the poor, the very young, the elderly, those already in poor health, the disabled, those living alone and/or indigenous populations dependent on one or a few resources. 

So, global warming & climate change from these fairly common pollutants has *finally* been called a health hazard by the Environmental Protection Agency.  One gets the impression that the EPA is trying to leapfrog to relevancy after 8 years of being crushed under the elephant's cowboy boots.  As an environmentalist and green enthusiast - let me give a great big YEEE HAW.  

For a more detailed look at the proposal: http://epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html

This is in a public comment period - I highly recommend you follow the below steps to let them know you support this.  Note the details... this focuses on these gasses being emitted from motor vehicles... not uncle Joe or his cattle.  

Electric cars FTW

Submitting Comments on Proposed Finding

The public comment period is open for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. (Please note that official comments on the proposed finding cannot be submitted until the Federal Register publication).

Written Comments

Written comments on the proposed finding (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0171) may be submitted by using the following instructions:

• Instructions for Submitting Written Comments (PDF) (3 pp, 39KB, About PDF)

When providing comments, please submit them with reference to Docket ID No.  EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0171.