The Day the Earth Stood Still: EPA Says CO2 a Threat to Human Health, Paves Way For Backdoor Tax on All Sectors of U.S. Economy

IER

16 years ago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2009
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Laura Henderson 202.621.2951
Chris Tucker 202.346.8825

The Day the Earth Stood Still: EPA Says CO2 a Threat to Human Health, Paves Way For Backdoor Tax on All Sectors of U.S. Economy

Washington, D.C.—Institute for Energy Research (IER) president Thomas J. Pyle today issued the following statement in response to the announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that carbon dioxide is a threat to human health and welfare, and as such: must be regulated, rationed and restricted by the federal government.

“Carbon is lighter than oxygen, more abundant than nitrogen, and forms the basis of all human, plant and animal life on earth. At least it did yesterday. Today, it’s a danger to human health and, upon meeting air, a clear and present threat to our existence. That was the pronouncement made by the EPA today, and it will be one this generation and others that follow will not soon forget.

“In defending today’s decision, EPA was quick to promise that the rationing of carbon dioxide would only have limited application. This is incorrect. EPA will start by issuing new regulations on cars. Next will come restrictions on stationary sources. After that: the wholesale regulation of anything that uses oil, natural gas, or coal. And it won’t end there. If carbon dioxide is deemed a threat, other greenhouse gases like water, vapor and methane must be too.

“While the American people will need to wait a few more months to see how today’s announcement manifests itself in their daily lives, we know one thing for sure: EPA is about to become the largest, most powerful and most distended government agency in American history. And that alone should give every American who has a job, or may want one in the future, reason for serious concern.”

More from IER on the dangers of broad EPA regulation of CO2:

The Institute for Energy Research (IER) is a not-for-profit organization that conducts intensive research and analysis on the functions, operations, and government regulation of global energy markets. IER maintains that freely-functioning energy markets provide the most efficient and effective solutions to today’s global energy and environmental challenges and, as such, are critical to the well-being of individuals and society.

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