politics

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday proposed establishing a nationwide system for reporting greenhouse gas emissions, a program that could serve as the basis for a federal limit on the buildup of carbon and other gases linked to global warming.

The registry plan, which would cover about 13,000 facilities that produce 85 to 90 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas output, was drafted under the Bush administration but stalled after the Office of Management and Budget objected to it because the EPA based the rule on its powers under the Clean Air Act.

If adopted by year's end, the new rule could produce greenhouse gas statistics by the end of 2010. The EPA requirements would apply to large industrial sources that emit 25,000 metric tons or more a year, including oil and chemical refineries; manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines; and confined animal feeding operations.

Most small business would fall below the threshold and would not be required to report, EPA officials said.

INACTION IN DARFUR 'NOT ACCEPTABLE'

President Obama declared Tuesday that the violence in Darfur and inaction in the face of its worsening humanitarian crisis are "not acceptable." He pledged to work more closely with the United Nations to bring peace to western Sudan's conflict-wracked region.

Obama's response during a meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon ratcheted up the U.S. response to Sudan President Omar al-Bashir's expulsion of 13 aid groups, which is threatening more than 3 million people with the loss of food aid, health care or drinking water.

Ban told Obama that 2009 is a "make-or-break" year for the U.N., and that he hopes the United States will work with the organization to address climate change and the crisis in Darfur. Obama said he wanted to send a strong and unified message with the U.N. to bring peace and security to the region.

INTELLIGENCE LEADER RESIGNS

A former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia resigned Tuesday from his new post as chairman of the National Intelligence Council after congressional criticism for comments about the Israeli government and alleged ties to foreign governments.

Charles Freeman had not yet begun his work as chairman, and National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said he accepted the resignation "with regret."

Freeman has criticized the Israeli government, the war in Iraq and the war on terror.

In the past two weeks almost three dozen lawmakers, primarily Republicans, wrote to Blair expressing concerns about Freeman's suitability for the job. They also cited Freeman's financial, personal and business ties to the governments of China and Saudi Arabia.

NEWS SERVICES