New ban imposed on regulating global warming gases

By DINA CAPPIELLO, Associated Press Writer
Thu Dec 18, 7:32 pm ET

WASHINGTON – The Bush administration is trying to make sure in its final days that federal air pollution regulations will not be used to control the gases blamed for global warming.

In a memorandum sent Thursday, outgoing Environmental Protection Agency Administratorcarbon dioxide emissionscoal-fired power plants and other facilities. Stephen Johnson sets an agency-wide policy prohibiting controls on from being included in air pollution permits for

The decision could give the agency a legal basis for issuing permits that increase global warming pollution until the incoming Obama administration can change it, a process that would require a lengthy rulemaking process.