From: George LeMieux [mailto:george_lemieux@lemieux.senate.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 10:33 AM
Subject: Response to your recent comments
Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:
Dear Mr. Weitzen:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding how our nation should address climate change issues. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond.
The issue of climate change and attempts to mitigate its impacts by controlling greenhouse gas emissions is highly complex. Having grown up in Florida, I have a great appreciation for our state’s natural beauty and the fragile nature of our ecosystem. I’m also aware of the impact new regulations can have on economies and families.
On April 12, 2007, in the case of Massachusetts vs. Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) as air pollutants. However, the ruling did not state that the EPA must regulate GHGs. In order to regulate GHGs under the framework, the EPA must first make an 'endangerment finding' under section 202 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) that GHGs threaten the public health and welfare of the American people. On December 7, 2009, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced that the EPA made such a finding.
This finding under the CAA would require regulation of stationary sources or facilities that emit as little as 100-250 tons of carbon dioxide per year. To put this in context, unless the EPA were to change the requirements of the CAA, which could draw lengthy litigation, the emissions of an elementary school or hospital will be regulated in the same manner as a power plant. Because of some of these challenges involved in using the CAA framework, I have joined Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in cosponsoring a joint resolution of disapproval (S. J. Res. 26) under the Congressional Review Act. I believe that the reduction of GHGs is a problem that should be addressed through the legislative process, and this disapproval resolution would block the EPA's finding that would result in harmful regulations that exacerbate America's economy. This is a serious issue that merits an open and honest debate in Congress before the American people. This joint resolution has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works where it awaits further action.
I am closely following the legislative proposals addressing climate change and will make the best decisions I can for the people of Florida and the United States as a whole. It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of the great State of Florida in the United States Senate. I take great pride in being a native Floridian, and I look forward to the tremendous opportunity to better the lives of all Floridians. I assure you I will work hard to represent our state to the best of my ability in the U.S. Senate. If I can be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
George S. LeMieux
United States Senator
**Note: PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL. If you would like to reply to this message, please contact me through my website at http://lemieux.senate.gov.
GL/srn
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