The EPA: Our New Legislators

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: Dec 09, 2009

The EPA: Our New Legislators


December 9, 2009

Every day seems to bring a new outrage; a new attempt at government control of our lives. 

The latest occurred Monday when the Environmental Protection Agency unilaterally declared carbon dioxide a "dangerous pollutant." I guess that means we all must stop breathing. 

An "endangerment" finding means the government may start requiring businesses that emit CO2 and five other greenhouse gases to make costly changes in machinery to reduce emissions -- even if Congress doesn't pass pending cap and trade legislation. EPA action to regulate emissions could affect the U.S. economy more directly, and more quickly, than any global deal that might be signed in Copenhagen. 

Last week the president held a jobs summit. But if this regulation is allowed to take effect, watch the unemployment numbers go up. Businesses will either go out of business or pay so much for modifications they won't be able to hire anyone new. 

This is dictatorship! Lawsuits are expected. I hope they are successful.  


Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

The EPA: Our New Legislators