In a defeat for the Bush administration, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that a US government agency has the power under the clean air law to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that spur global warming.

The nation’s highest court by a 5-4 vote said the US Environmental Protection Agency “has offered no reasoned explanation” for its refusal to regulate carbon dioxide and other emissions from new cars and trucks that contribute to climate change.

One of the 38 recommendations in a “green fleet” plan to go to Toronto City Council next month proposes a drive-through ban for city of Toronto employees.

President Bush said Tuesday he planned no new action to impose caps on greenhouse gases blamed for global warming despite the Supreme Court ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency must regulate US emissions.

A report says that Toronto has seen 440 premature deaths each year due to exhaust from cars, trucks and buses, giving the city a $2.2 billion health care bill.

Source: San Jose Mercury News

“Silicon Valley is already the capital of the world’s high-tech industry. Is it also becoming the Detroit of the electric car industry?

Last week’s announcement by Shai Agassi, a former SAP executive based in Palo Alto, that he’s raised $200 million for a company that will try to revolutionize the electric car industry is the latest sign of this region’s growing role in one of the hottest sectors of the automotive industry.”

“Environment Colorado on Wednesday issued a report saying adopting a new “clean car program” would cut the state’s emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases, increase gas mileage, and still allow for cars and trucks big enough to drive in the mountains.”

“The U.S. auto industry is on the cusp of a dramatic change in which companies and customers make decisions with environmental impact in mind, a group of panelists agreed Wednesday in Detroit.”

Milan’s “EcoPass” is a one-year trial program aimed at charging drivers with a “pollution charge” to enter Milan’s city centre in order to cut smog.

“Washington joined California and 14 other states Wednesday in suing the federal government for failing to approve stronger regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.”

Major US car rental agency Enterprise takes major steps towards reducing its company’s carbon footprint by creating rental outlets that feature only fuel efficient or hybrid cars.