Air Pollution Report comes out. (Requested by Kerry & McCain)

[TayTay]

GAO Report Faults Voluntary Programs To Cut Air Pollution
Study Says Administration Has Not Ensured That Firms Set, Meet Goals

By Juliet Eilperin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 26, 2006; Page A03

The Bush administration's voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by industry have yet to deliver promised results, according to a report issued yesterday by the Government Accountability Office.

The 51-page report, which was requested by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), highlights shortcomings in two projects aimed at encouraging the private sector to cut emissions linked to global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency sponsors "Climate Leaders," while the Energy Department oversees "Climate VISION."

Both encourage polluters to cut their greenhouse-gas releases, but in each case, according to the study, the administration has failed to ensure that participating firms set firm reduction targets or meet their stated goals.

"EPA and DOE each expect participants in their voluntary emissions reduction programs to complete a number of actions; however, participants' progress toward completing those actions, as well as the agencies' efforts to track accomplishments, has varied," the report said.

More at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501790.html