Minnesota joins lawsuit against the EPA.
by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public RadioSt. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota is joining sixteen other states in a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency over global warming.
A year ago, in response to a state-initiated lawsuit, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
The high court ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to take action.
Last month, EPA administrator Stephen Johnson said the agency would start a long period of public comment before doing anything.
Now, seventeen states are back in court, asking for a ruling that would compel the EPA to act within 60 days.
The Bush administration has come under blistering criticism for its inaction on global warming.
The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
