Bush administration treats global warming study like spam

Did you know that, by increasing fuel efficiency standards four percent a year, we would gain a net benefit to society of $1.4 – 2 trillion dollars by 2040? If you didn’t, we don’t blame you, because the White House is working to suppress a study conducted by the EPA highlighting the imminent threat of global warming and America’s capabilities to respond to the climate crisis. The method of suppression? Treating the EPA report like spam.

Last December, the Bush Administration refused to open an email from the EPA that concluded “greenhouse gases are pollutants that must be controlled.” (For a hilarious take on this sordid episode, check out the Daily Show's "report" on the White House's refusal to open the email.) In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA was to publicly release a report determining whether green house gasses are detrimental to our health or the environment. Although the report has been released, many of us haven’t even heard about it because the White House has been keeping it under wraps. This may be due to the fact that the EPA’s findings contradict Bush’s claim in April that applying global warming legislation “would have crippling effects on our entire economy.” But regardless of the reasoning, the White House has withheld the EPA’s document that not only treats greenhouse gasses as a pollutant, but also focuses on America’s ability to prosper while simultaneously reducing emissions.

The EPA’s document says that the technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is readily available and:

The proposal argues that automakers could meet a new tailpipe emissions limit of 232 grams of carbon dioxide per mile, which equates to 38.3 mpg by 2020. The EPA said about 40 percent of the new vehicle fleet in 2020 would be using diesel engines and full hybrid systems (including plug-in electric hybrid vehicles). The agency assumes that plug-ins are "a viable technology beginning in 2012."

Despite the monumental spike in gas prices this year and the constant frustration from the American people, the White House has refused to act on information that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the American public money.

Although we cannot fully blame the Bush Administration for our climate crisis, their inaction has undoubtedly worsened the situation. They have successfully widened the knowledge gap between the scientific community and the public. Their denial of global warming is not only hurting our environment and the health of the American people, but it is also preventing our economy from flourishing. Our economy is in a recession. Unemployment is worsening. Extreme weather is intensifying. Yet the Bush Administration continues to turn a blind eye to reports highlighting the importance of bold climate legislation.

Regardless of who gets elected next year, it's clear we need a president who won’t suppress the science. Americans are demanding an active climate leader. We need a leader that will listen to what science demands and allow the citizens and American industries to evolve and prosper in a carbon-free economy.