Your Name: Brad Fiero
Title of Article: Court Rejects E.P.A. Limits on Emissions Rules
Author: Felicity Barringer
Date Published: August 19, 2008
Link to Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/washington/20air.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Court%20Rejects%20E.P.A.%20Limits%20on%20Emissions%20Rules&st=cse
Summary: The Clean Air Act mandates that states may require more stringent monitoring of and limits to industrial pollution. In 2006, the Bush Administration banned States from "requiring new monitoring" of pollution emissions from industrial sites. Environmental groups sued the government, contending that this ban limited the States' ability to collect and publicize the "best data." The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled against the Bush Administration today. [73 words]
Global Relevance: This ruling by the courts is a victory for the health of all humans and other living things. Attempts by governments to favor industry over human and environmental health are common throughout the world. The information in this article shows how short-term costs are often prioritized over long-term costs, even when the long-term costs are much greater. We can see how watchdog groups and uncorrupted judicial systems are critical to help protect the long-term interests of the people and their environment. This article points out the importance of having strong environmental laws in place and enforced. The Clean Air Act serves as a global model, yet is constantly under attack by groups who benefit by weakening our environmental laws. [119 words].