An endangerment finding from the EPA would be a win for Copenhagen. More from The Hill:

EPA is expected to issue a formal finding today that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, which sets the stage for the agency to regulate the emissions under its existing power.

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The so-called endangerment finding stems from a major 2007 Supreme Court decision that enables EPA to limit the emissions if it finds that greenhouses gases are indeed a danger. The agency issued a preliminary finding in April.

The EPA announcement could also give U.S. negotiators more leverage at the international climate talks in Copenhagen that begin today, demonstrating domestic action even though Congress has not completed a final bill to curb emissions.

Of course the so-called United States Chamber of Commerce doesn’t support an endangerment finding, because the Chamber believes that climate change regulations will hurt businesses. However, the impacts of climate change—and from environmental degradation and exploitation—will cost (and is currently costing) small businesses and families. The Chamber’s positions are shortsighted and lack prudence, because their position on climate change isn’t based on the science and observations of what’s really occurring. From the New York Times:

The move gives President Obama a significant tool to combat the gases blamed for the heating of the planet even while Congress remains stalled on economy-wide global warming legislation.

The E.P.A. finding also will allow Mr. Obama to tell delegates at the United Nations climate change conference that began today in Copenhagen that the United States is moving aggressively to address the problem.

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Industry groups and the United States Chamber of Commerce have objected to the proposed regulations, saying they would damage the economy and drive jobs overseas. Some groups are likely to file lawsuits challenging the new regulations, which could delay their effective date for some years.

Thomas J. Donohue, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the endangerment finding “could result in a top-down command-and-control regime that will choke off growth by adding new mandates to virtually every major construction and renovation project.” He said that his group supports “rational” federal legislation and an international agreement to control global carbon emissions.

Update: EPA officially announces endangerment finding:

Video: EPA: Greenhouse Gases Endanger Human Health:

On the Net:

1. EPA: Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment / Science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity
2. TODAY: Administrator Jackson to Make Significant Climate Announcement
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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