Greenhouse gases, those harmful pollutants emitted by fuel powered vehicles, has come under scrutiny lately.  First, the EPA finally discovered just a short month ago that greenhouse gases are dangerous. Who would have thought?  Now, the EPA is holding public hearings to see what people have to say about greenhouse gases.  Surely the government is a little behind on this one.

Earlier this month, the EPA kicked off its first public hearing related to greenhouse gases.  The hearing was open to all individuals interested in speaking on the subject and all parties present were to be heard.  Individuals each got their 4 minutes of fame before the EPA representatives and all speaking slots of the scheduled 11 hour conference were booked well in advance.

To accommodate additional speakers, the EPA held another hearing on May 21st in Seattle.  This conference was booked solid too.

If you want to be heard, the EPA is accepting written comments until late June.

The outcome of these conference could likely determine new rules and regulation set forth by the EPA that could effect both traditional gasoline powered cars and hybrid car in the future.  Electric cars, free from greenhouse gas emissions, could only benefit from such hearings.

Source:  EPA

PRESS RELEASE:


EPA Hearing on Proposed Endangerment Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under the Clean Air Act



(Washington, D.C. – May 15, 2009) EPA will hold the first of two public hearings on Monday, May 18 regarding the agency's proposed findings that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. The proposed findings identify six greenhouse gases that pose a potential threat.



The hearing is an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to voice their opinions on the proposed findings.



WHAT: Public hearing on the proposed endangerment and cause and contribute findings



WHEN: Monday, May 18th, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.



The hearing will continue into the evening to accommodate all members of the public who wish to comment.



WHERE: EPA Potomac Yard South Conference Center

2777 Crystal Drive, Room S-1204

Arlington, Va.



Written comments will be accepted until June 23, 2009. EPA will consider written comments submitted during the comment period with the same weight as oral comments presented during the public hearing.



More information on the hearing and for the audio webcast of the hearing: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment/hearing_washington-may18.html



More information on the proposed finding: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html