Even this very limited regulation doesn't work for America - the EPA's right to regulate is being challenged through dozens of lawsuits by states and big business, largely through the Chamber of Commerce. A judge could stop the EPA in its tracks simply by making the agency wait until the cases are resolved.
Because utilities have more confidence they won't be regulated, they're constructing 30 coal plants across the country, the largest build-out in 20 years.
Beyond the increasing uneasiness in how the world views the US on this issue, inaction is harming our economy and deteriorating our ability to lead in clean energy industries. US wind installations are down to 2007 levels. Clean energy investments are going overseas.
We must allow the EPA to regulate.
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Rona Fried, Ph.D. is CEO of SustainableBusiness.com
