Federal court upholds EPA's greenhouse gas rules
Court rules agency is 'unambiguously correct' in using law to curb global warming gases
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court is upholding the first federal regulations to reduce the gases blamed for global warming.
The rules, which were challenged by industry groups and states, will reduce emissions of six heat-trapping gases from large industrial facilities, such as factories and power plants, as well as automobile tailpipes.
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington said Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency was "unambiguously correct" in using existing federal law to address global warming. The court denied two of the challenges, including one arguing the agency erred in concluding greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare.
The court dismissed challenges to two other regulations.
The court didn't immediately release the decision, but The Associated Press obtained a copy from a participant in the case.
