Last Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an endangerment finding determining that six key greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) — in the atmosphere threaten public health currently and for future generations.

 

This is an important course of action by our EPA which will help the 306 million people living in the United States. As Earth Day is around the corner, the EPA is responsibly acting based on the general well-being of the public and environment.

 

In the state of New Jersey, climate change is expected to have an effect on the Jersey Shore and the Meadowlands because of rising sea levels. New Jersey isn't called The Garden State for nothing. Jersey's fresh grown produce would be impacted by climate change. The Jersey Shore could feel the effects of more intense tropical cyclones which would then increase the amount of erosion on our coastlines. Also, New Jersey is embedded between two megalopolises, Philadelphia and New York City. Each summer, extreme spells of hot weather affect millions of people within the metropolitan area and outlying suburbs. As climate change intensifies, prolonged periods of heat will occur, endangering the health of the public.

 

New Jersey's Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), a member of the Environment and Public Works committee, last Friday released the following statement on the EPA’s decision finding greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health:

 

“The environment and public health won a big victory today. The science is clear on the serious threat posed by greenhouse gases and the need for swift action. Congress needs to follow EPA’s lead by placing science-based limits on greenhouse gases and putting Americans to work building a cleaner, more efficient economy.”