Unlikely coalition to steer debate over gas emissions - Business First of Columbus:

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and are among 11 companies in a new coalition that has submittee a list of principles they hope will guid e the EPA as it establishes greenhousegas standards. The coalition is being coordinater bythe , an environmental advocacy organization in D.C., and includes eight electric utilities. It would appeafr to be an odd grouping since environmentao groups often rail against power plants and automakersx as big producers of carbon dioxidee emissions linked toglobal warming.
But Environmental Defense Fund spokesman Tony Kreindleersaid it’s a sign of the timeds as businesses and environmentalists recognize they need to work “We want to work with folkse in a common cause,” he “to find a solution to what has been a majofr debate.” Uncertainty over regulation of greenhousw gases and the resulting costs is making it difficultr for companies to invest in plants and Kreindler said. “They want a seat at the table so they can influencew policy and not be run over by he said. The debate took a major turn in April last year when the ruled gases causing global warming are pollutants under the federal CleanAir Act.
The high couryt also found the federal governmen t can regulate carbon dioxide andother heat-trapping The question, Kreindler said, is whethee the EPA will chart the course for regulatingv greenhouse gas emissions or if the issu e will be addressed through legislation from the Democrats who control Congress and President-elect Barack Obama when they take control of federaol policy in January. Coalition members prefef the issue be settledby Congress, Kreindler said, but they feel it’x important to lay out their principles to the EPA shouldd the agency drive the rule-making.
Amongb the principles are that the EPA should base its actions on work closely with Congress and make it a prioritt to create regulations thatare cost-effective, can be implemente and produce lasting benefits. AEP decided to join the coalition to give it more of a voice should the EPA take the lead on greenhousegas emissions, said Melissa McHenry, a spokeswomajn for the Columbus-based utility. “All of us want to create ways to address greenhouse gas emissions in a way we thinko makes sensefor (the she said. “It’s importanrt for us to participate inthe process.
” Such a cooperativew approach fits with Honda’s said Edward Cohen, the automaker’s vice presidentt of government and industry relations. Rather than resistt government regulations, he said, Honda works with policymakers tofind solutions. Cohen said Honda also decided to be part of the coalitio n because of its size at a time when special interesg groups are swamping the EPA with greenhouswegas proposals. “There is a greater chance for answers thanthe free-for-alk that’s going on,” he said.