By Joan Biskupic, USA TODAYWASHINGTON A Supreme Court ruling Monday that the Environmental Protection Agency can regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases galvanized groups that have long sought to limit emissions from new cars and trucks.The 5-4 decision in the court's first-ever case on global warming forces the EPA to re-evaluate whether its regulation of tailpipe emissions should include carbon dioxide. It also adds momentum to congressional and state efforts to address climate change.
The opinion could ultimately affect whether automakers are required to build higher-mileage vehicles that emit less carbon dioxide. The court emphasized the link between increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and rising temperatures.
"This decision puts the wind at our back," says Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. She said the panel will work toward comprehensive legislation to reduce heat-trapping gases as it pushes for EPA regulation. She says she will call EPA officials before the committee this month.
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