The EPA has rolled out its new fiat for regulating power plants and other major emitters of greenhouse gases, using power it claimed for itself, with a judicial assist, under the Clean Air Act.

Beginning next year, over 15,000 emitters — including plants and factories that kick out more than 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases each year, as well as existing emitters seeking to up their output — will have to obtain government permits. An EPA official says:

. . . the rule would apply to sites accounting for about 70 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. “We think this is smart rule-making, and we think it’s good government,” she said.

But barring Congressional action, the EPA is fully expected to lower the threshold at which the regulations apply so that they cover more modest emitters. And the question is: How low will they go?

More permits. Sounds like just what American businesses need to spur an economic recovery!