PSR Applauds the EPA for Rejecting Petitions to Overturn Findings that Greenhouse Gases Threaten Human Health

Washington, D.C. – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson announced today that after several months of careful review the agency will deny 10 petitions calling for the agency to reconsider its determination that six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) -in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.

Dr. Peter Wilk, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility in response to the EPA's decision to reject the petitions stated:

"Climate Change is real, we are already experiencing its impacts and the future health consequences will be widespread and severe.  If we are to avoid catastrophic climate change,  greenhouse gas emissions must be dramatically reduced. The EPA Endangerment Finding is established on abundant, rigorous scientific research and is a critical step toward setting science based regulations that will protect our health and our planet. PSR’s medical and public health experts assert that the climate science considered by the EPA to make its determination is both credible and compelling. We need and want real solutions to climate change and our energy crisis. Today strengthens our faith in the Administration's deep commitment to protecting public health."

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PSR supports the Endangerment Findings of the EPA and is an advocate for halting dirty energy industries assault on the environment. For more information on the work of the largest physician led organization in the country working to protect the public from the threats of nuclear proliferation, climate change and environmental toxins, please visit www.psr.org.

For more information, please contact, Kristen Welker-Hood, Director, Environment and Health at PSR 202-587-5244, cell (410) 491-1121, kwelker-hood@psr.org