EPA's Jackson Says GHG Regs Would Focus on Large Industries

EPA Administration Lisa P. Jackson said in an interview with The State that the agency intends to focus on GHG regulations on large industries that produce 80 percent of the pollution linked to climate change, not on small businesses such as restaurants and apartment buildings. She was quoted as saying: "You go after the big folks. You don't start with the little ones. It wouldn't be in anybody's interests."

Jackson was defending EPA against criticism from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and the South Carolina Health and Environmental Control Department that EPA regulations would impact small businesses as part of their argument that a legislative approach to GHG emissions would be better than an agency approach. Jackson has said she would prefer a legislative solution to GHG emissions. But Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., was quoted as saying: "It's always best to have the input of Congress on these kinds of things. But if people are going to filibuster everything we do, then let's go the regulation route."