US says CO2 danger to public health

THE ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Agency (EPA) formally declared carbon dioxide (CO2) a danger to public health and welfare last month, paving the way for regulation of CO2 emissions in the country for the first time. The decision, which could have far-reaching consequences for industry and household energy consumption, is a drastic departure from the policy of the previous White House, which drew frequent international criticism for its reluctance to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The EPA's decision, known as an "endangerment finding", ruled that CO2 and five other heat-trapping gases were damaging the environment; and it gives the agency legal authority to begin supervising power pla