The Bush administration has faced criticism for not taking a strong stand against global warming. Apparently some states aren't willing to wait any longer and are suing the EPA over a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that requires the agency to determine if carbon dioxide emissions could pose a threat to public health and welfare. If so, carbon emissions caused by burning fossil fuels would be considered a pollutant that would have to be regulated by the EPA as outlined in the Clean Air Act.

The lawsuit, filed today by 17 states, 11 environmental groups, two cities and a partridge in a pear tree, is based on the claim the EPA has delayed taking action on the ruling long enough and would require compliance within 60 days.

The Sierra Club, which is also part of the lawsuit, accused the Bush administration of favoring industry. "While this administration has done everything possible to make a mockery of the rule of law in this country, it’s still stunning that they refuse to yield even to the high court," said Sierra Club climate counsel David Bookbinder.

In their defense, last week EPA head honcho Stephen Johnson said the agency needs time to determine the potential effects of emission regulation since the impact of such a decision would be widespread. Critics claim Johnson is simply dragging his heels so that the administration that takes over from Bush after the next election will have to deal with the issue.

California, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington are among the states involved in the suit, as well as New York City and the municipal government in Baltimore.

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