States file suit to cut CO2 levels
July 22, 2004
Eight US states and New York City filed a landmark lawsuit yesterday against five big US power companies, demanding cuts in carbon dioxide emissions and opening a new legal frontier in the fight against global warming.
The companies include American Electric Power Company, the Southern Company, Tennessee Valley Authority, Xcel Energy and Cinergy Corporation. Together, they own or operate 174 fossil fuel-burning power plants in 20 states that emit some 646m tons of carbon dioxide yearly, about 10%of the US total.
It is the first time state and local governments have sued private companies to require reductions in carbon-dioxide, a byproduct of burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels that has been linked to global warming.
The states and the city are not seeking monetary damages but are asking the court to direct the companies to reduce emissions.
The Guardian website has further information.
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