8 States And Conservation Groups To Sue EPA

A coalition of conservation groups and state attorneys general has filed formal letters warning of impending lawsuits over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's failure to address global warming pollution from ocean-going ships and aircraft. The conservation groups' notice of 'intent to sue' was filed by Earthjustice on behalf of Oceana, Friends of the Earth and the Center for Biological Diversity.

Additionallly, eight state and local jurisdictions filed similar notices today, formally declaring their intent to sue the EPA for unreasonable delay. The states include California, Connecticut, Oregon, New Jersey, and the California Air Resources Board, South Coast Air Quality Management District, New York City, and the Pennsylvania Dept of Environmental Protection.

"More than 15 months after the Supreme Court's order, EPA continues to ignore its legal -- and moral -- obligation to act quickly to protect the health and welfare of Americans. The Bush administration is wasting precious time with continued foot-dragging -- time that we don't have. We have gone to court to force action by this or the next administration," said Martin Wagner of Earthjustice, who is representing the coalition.