Massachusetts v. EPA: Are You Prepared for the New Change in Climate? (Audio-Only Program)

On April 2, in the landmark decision, Massachusetts v. EPA, the Supreme Court in essence rebuked the Bush Administration’s energy policy, ruling that states and environmental groups can sue the environmental agency over its refusal to regulate automobile emissions that produce greenhouse gases.  In a 5-4 opinion, the Court found that carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases emitted from tailpipes are "air pollutants'' covered by the Clean Air Act of 1970 and therefore, the EPA does have the authority to regulate automobile emissions.

In this timely webcast, our panel of experts, all of whom were intimately involved in this case, will address the impact of the decision.  Among the compelling issues they will tackle include:

• Will the automotive industry rise to the challenge? Will we be seeing more fuel-efficient cars before 2009?
• Will the lower threshold for standing mobilize states en masse to challenge emissions standards?  California, for example, is now moving forward with its plans to reduce tailpipe emissions from cars, light trucks and SUVs.  Is your state next?
• How will this ruling affect other pending Clean Air Act cases, such as “Oven Envtl. Taskforce v. EPA, No. 06-1131 (D.C. Cir. filed Apr. 7, 2006)) and Central Valley Chrysler-Jeep v. Witherspoon, No. CV-04-6663 (E.D. Cal. 2006).

• Will the decision affect other areas such as the construction and manufacturing industries?  If so, what should these companies start thinking about and how much will it cost?

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