On March 13, President Bush reversed a campaign pledge, saying his administration would not seek to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
Scientists say that carbon dioxide is a key contributor to global warming.
Following are comments from Worldwatch President, Christopher Flavin regarding the Bush Administration's turn around on this important environmental issue. Yesterday's decision suggests that the U.S. is missing an opportunity to exert forceful leadership on one of the most serious environmental threats facing humanity in the 21st century. Contrary to President Bush's statement, carbon dioxide is a dangerous pollutant. Unlike the other regulated air pollutants, carbon dioxide will stay in the atmosphere for centuries, affecting the health and well being of generations to come. Constraining U.S. emissions is essential if the world is to avoid climate change.