EPA publishes new greenhouse gas rules

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environment Protection Agency published a proposed rule Tuesday that would limit the Clean Air Act to the largest emitters of greenhouse gases.

Under the regulation published in the Federal Register, the act would apply to power plants and other plants that emit at least 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year, The Washington Post reported. The Clean Air Act, as written, applies to all emitters of more than 250 tons a year.

An EPA spokeswoman, Adora Andy, called the regulation "a common-sense measure, strategically tailored to the largest facilities to ensure it does not place a burden on the small businesses that make up the better part of our economy."

Also Tuesday, a committee hearing began on the Kerry-Boxer bill, which would set up a cap-and-trade system. The bill was written by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.

"For 30 cents a day, we will put America in control of our own energy future and take a stand for home-grown American energy rather than foreign oil from countries who don't like us," Boxer said. "For 30 cents a day, we will protect our kids from dangerous pollution."