Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the comprehensive research, resulting in Monday’s announcement, which concluded that climate changing pollution is threatening public health and the environment in the United States. The announcement comes as the world meets in Copenhagen for an international climate conference.

“This study, when paired with the comprehensive energy legislation passed earlier this year by the House, should be a clear message to the world: The United States and President Obama are serious about doing our part in addressing climate change. We call on the rest of the industrialized and developing world to join us,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I am encouraged that the Senate will address energy legislation early in 2010, so we can work on the differences between the House and Senate measures and reach an agreement to send to President Obama.”

The EPA study said that the scientific evidence shows greenhouse gases are a threat to the health and welfare of the American people. The pollutants — mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels — should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The Supreme Court recently held that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act.

“Like President Obama, I prefer a comprehensive legislative approach to regulating emissions and stemming global warming, because this issue is too important to ignore. The pollution reduction bill passed by the House was a step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough toward realizing America’s clean energy future. One of its shortcomings is that it would limit the EPA’s authority, under current law, to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act. I am encouraged to see the EPA is nonetheless exercising its legal authority to control emissions of greenhouse gases,” said Rep. Engel.

“I will work with my colleagues and the Obama Administration to reduce emissions for better health and a clean environment, while simultaneously promoting innovation and strengthening the economy,” said Rep. Engel.