Saying "[w]ith respect to climate pollution, we will act," and that "[t]he Clean Air Act does in fact allow us to do so" Administrator Jackson today announced that greenhouse gases threaten the public health and welfare of the American people.
 
Administrator Jackson indicated at the press briefing that the agency's intention with regards to the finding was to "release the science and reduce the questions." Stressing that "we'll continue to work under the Clean Air Act" Administrator Jackson also stated that the agency is "compelled" to address climate change pollution.
 
She fielded questions on the legislative timeline and agenda and stressed that EPA's and the legislative initiatives are independent.  Administrator Jackson did emphasize that the agency would move forward with work that the EPA had planned, and that there is no reason to delay.  A common question at the briefing was what EPA's timeline is on additional rules for stationery sources and additional rulemaking for reductions in light of the greenhouse gas reporting rule. Administrator Jackson said that there was no timeline for the next rules on emissions, including next steps on the tailoring rule, and stated that "I have no additional information on timelines." 
 
So why issue this rule now, and not concurrent with the transportation rule?  She stressed again that this is a unique situation and responded that this finding itself was the subject of a U.S. Supreme Court Case and that they wanted to project the image that the "EPA is on the job and is about doing the job."  She said that they intend to "keep the ball moving."
 
The overall message from the press conference was, "with respect to climate pollution, we will act."

To view a full transcript of Administrator Jackson's remarks, click here.