The Obama administration has moved a step closer to regulating greenhouse gases. On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency said six gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, endanger the environment and public health. The move would allow the EPA to take action against the gases without needing congressional approval. The EPA says it will now draft regulations to curb the emissions under the Clean Air Act. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson announced the move in Washington.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson: “Today’s action is a step towards enduring, pragmatic solutions to the enormous challenge of climate change. It is a step towards innovation, investment and implementation of technologies that reduce harmful emissions.”