Bush's Johnson Releases Lame Duck Poison

One point is clear: the potential regulations of greenhouse gases under any portion of the Clean Air Act could result in an unprecedented expansion of EPA authority that would have a profound effect on virtually every sector of the economy.

Stephen Johnson, EPA Adminstrator, July 11, 2008

That's what the man whose job it is to protect the environment said today when he released a 1000 page document on regulating global warming emissions. You'd think a man in his position would relish the thought of unprecedented expansion of EPA authority.

Not Bush's Johnson.

The Fates are weeping -- this wrong man at the right place. An opportunity to make "hope and history rhyme" -- in Seamus Heaney's famous phrasing -- and instead he limply walks away.

I believe.....the Clean Air Act is ill-suited for the task of regulating global greenhouse gases.

There is nothing better suited on the whole earth today. In any case, in Mass v. EPA, the Supreme Court decided it was a matter of legal imperative, not suitability.

No matter how you slice it, the regulation of greenhouse gases will have a profound effect on every sector of the economy. That's the point. The economy is reliant upon a model of energy production and consumption that has reached its safe limits. We need profound effects, quickly.

If not you, who, Mr. Johnson? If not now, when?

Not him, not now. The tragedy of a small person, ill-suited to this historical moment, unable to rise to the occasion, doing the bidding of the self-proclaimed "world's biggest polluter."

Is this the first time in American history when the lame duck has been so spiteful and poisonous?

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