Attorney General Lockyer Issues Statement On Supreme Court Argument In Challenge to Bush Refusal to Regulate Global Warming Pollution

(SACRAMENTO) - Attorney General Bill Lockyer today issued the following statement regarding oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court in the multi-state challenge of the Bush Administration’s decision to not regulate vehicular greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the air and contribute to global warming:

“At a time when the vast majority of the world’s climate scientists warn that we must act now to stop the devastating effects of global warming, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) continued stance that it cannot and will not regulate greenhouse gas emissions is a tremendous threat to our health, environment and economy.

“Global warming is already causing significant harm to California -- to its environment, economy, agriculture and public health. We are seeing the harmful impacts to our rich agricultural lands, the Sierra snow pack and the safety of coastal communities. These impacts are costing millions of dollars and the price tag is increasing.

“The Clean Air Act is clear. It authorizes the EPA to regulate air pollutants that endanger public health and welfare. Yet, this very agency charged with safeguarding the health of our environment tells us air emissions contributing to the most looming threat to the welfare of the planet do not count as pollution.

“The United States is the largest polluter on the planet and leadership from our federal government is essential to curb global warming. But, California will not stand by if the Bush Administration continues to stall. As a coastal state, an agricultural state, and a state that relies on its Sierra snow pack, California has an enormous stake in acting now.”

Attorney General Lockyer is joined by 11 other Attorneys General, two cities and major environmental groups in the lawsuit, which was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2003. Numerous parties have filed supporting amicus briefs, including six additional states, former EPA Administrators, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and prominent climate scientists.