The New York Post reports that Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson nearly quit a few days ago after her rules for strict new air-pollution regulations were rejected by President Obama. Administration sources told the Post – in the face of a weak economy, bad poll numbers and bleak employment figures, Obama made it clear that we just don’t need this fight right now.
EPA expects to miss a September 30th deadline to issue new regulations for greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA explains on its website that it is a regulatory agency because Congress authorizes it to – write regulations that explain the technical, operational, and legal details necessary to implement laws. Regulations are mandatory requirements that can apply to individuals, businesses, state or local governments, non-profit institutions, or others.
Thursday morning, Jackson testified on Capitol Hill about regulations her agency is considering, has put in place, or enforced over the last few years. It’s the latest in a series of hearings the House Energy and Commerce Committee held on what the committee’s Republican majority call “harmful and onerous” government rules.