Letters: CO2 declaration is alarming

John Phipps By John Phipps The Grand Rapids Press
on September 12, 2009 at 9:00 AM, updated September 12, 2009 at 9:25 AM

The Press recently reported that the EPA plans to declare CO2 a dangerous pollutant. ("CO2 a pollutant," Sept. 1). I was greatly alarmed by this declaration. Every person, animal, reptile, amphibian, fish and insect on the planet exhales CO2 with each breath.

Every plant on the planet depends on CO2 for survival. CO2 is no more a pollutant than is oxygen or water. I was also alarmed in that this declaration shows that the Obama administration is planning an end run around the legislative process if it doesn't get its way in the cap-and-trade legislation now before Congress. If CO2 is deemed a dangerous pollutant, the EPA can use existing laws to fine businesses that emit CO2.

This, as with any cap and trade legislation, would harm the heavy manufacturing sector located in the Midwest. Michigan cannot afford the Obama administration's attempt to bypass the democratic process by falsely labeling CO2 a pollutant.
