US Supreme Court appears divided over global warming

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The nine-member US Supreme Court appeared split as it took up the debate over global warming, with rival lawyers arguing whether some greenhouse gas emissions should be regulated.

Despite its symbolic importance, the case is limited to whether the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate vehicle emissions of four greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.

But environmentalists hope a ruling in their favor would force changes in the policies of
President George W. Bush’s administration, which has refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.

The plaintiffs in the case include several US state governments who argue that the EPA should use its authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the 1963 Clean Air Act.

AFP