Poster
07-21-2004, 04:03 PM
Eight states, along with New York City, have filed a lawsuit against five major utility companies in order to try decrease the amount of carbon dioxide pollution in the air. The suit was brought forth by the states because they believe the federal government has done nothing to prevent the increase of carbon dioxide pollution. The states are not asking for monetary damages, but are asking for the companies to reduce emissions by 3% per year. The companies named in the suit were American Electric Power, Cinergy, the Southern Company, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Xcel Energy.
The plaintiffs plan to base the suit on federal common law of public nuisance. The common law, they said in a news release, "provides a right of action to curb air and water pollution emanating from sources in other states."
Representatives of a company argue the courts are not the place to argue this issue since it is an international problem. “Climate change is a global issue that can't be effectively addressed by any individual company or small group of companies," said Melissa McHenry, a spokeswoman for American Electric Power.
For more information see: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/21/science/21CND-POLL.html
The plaintiffs plan to base the suit on federal common law of public nuisance. The common law, they said in a news release, "provides a right of action to curb air and water pollution emanating from sources in other states."
Representatives of a company argue the courts are not the place to argue this issue since it is an international problem. “Climate change is a global issue that can't be effectively addressed by any individual company or small group of companies," said Melissa McHenry, a spokeswoman for American Electric Power.
For more information see: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/21/science/21CND-POLL.html