WASHINGTON. D.C. – Ten House Ranking Republican Members are requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) give stakeholders more time to respond to the Proposed Endangerment Finding, which is the predicate for regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) through the Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA has initially established June 23, 2009, as the deadline for interested parties to comment.

“Clearly, EPA's final decision on the Proposed Endangerment Findings will have great

consequence to the U.S. economy and to businesses struggling to survive these harsh economic times,” write the Republican Members.  “For a rule of this magnitude, 60 days is simply inadequate.”

Members emphasized the unprecedented nature of the endangerment finding, and its potential to trigger a cascade of regulatory obligations on thousands of businesses, large and small as justification for the requested extension.  Citing a recent decision by the D.C. Circuit, Members reminded EPA that that there is no legal barrier that would prevent EPA from granting the extension.

Congressman Darrell Issa, Ranking Member on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee said, “EPA’s final decision on the proposed endangerment findings will have great consequences for the U.S. economy and for businesses struggling to survive.  Legislation is being debated in Congress.  EPA should use common sense and allow additional time to consider the full impact of this finding rather than rush to judgement.”

Signatories to the letter include Ranking Members Darrell Issa (R-CA), Joe Barton (R-TX), John Mica (R, FL), Ralph Hall (R-TX), James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Doc Hastings (R-WA), Jerry Lewis (R-CA), Paul Ryan (R-WI), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Fred Upton (R-MI).

Click here for the letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.