Obama's EPA unravels Bush blockade to curb greenhouse gases

The Obama administration continue to change course./AP

For the last couple of years any mention of the Environmental Protection Agency in California was most likely related to the latest lawsuit filed by the attorney general's office.

Attorney General Jerry Brown could scarcely say "Environmental Protection" without rolling his eyes based on the agency's track record under the Bush administration.

Today, the EPA began to pull apart and unravel the resistance in its announcement that greenhouse gasses pose a serious health risk.

The Attorney General's Office wasted no time in sending up a slow clap of approval for what Brown is calling "the first step" toward responsible policy that will curb greenhouse gas emissions.

“After years of inexcusable neglect under the Bush Administration, the EPA has taken the first concrete step toward curbing global warming by making a preliminary determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health or welfare.” Brown said. “This proposed endangerment determination opens the door to the first serious national effort to reduce greenhouse gases.”

Reaction from other camps came as would be expected. Business organizations and automakers fear a backlash on the economy, while environmentalists say the time is long overdue.

In California, the change in policy surely opens the door to strict enforcement of emissions standards. Brown will also likely step up his efforts to force cities and counties to craft general plans for future growth that restrict urban sprawl, favor public transportation over automobiles and build in more environmentally friendly ways.

Brown's initial efforts in this regard created what he called "a model for growth" in places like San Bernardino County and Stockton, despite the objections of business leaders and developers.

Most importantly, the stunning, bold, controversial reversal of course at seemingly ever level of government by the Obama administration continues.

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