The Environmental Protection Agency has declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases a threat to public health and welfare, the New York Times reported Thursday. “This finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations,” said Lisa P. Jacksonville, EPA administrator. The EPA studied six gases — carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride — and found that all six are found at unprecedented levels in the atmosphere and are found there because of human activity. The agency also said what has seemed obvious for years but was denied by the Bush Administration — that the increased levels of these gases are likely responsible for the increase in the average temperature and other changes in the earth’s climate. Environmental advocates lauded the declaration, which they have sought for years. Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Massachusetts v. EPA, ordered the agency to determine if greenhouse gases are a danger, the New Times reported. But top officials in the Bush Administration suppressed the almost unanimous finding that they are. The EPA ruling triggers a 90-day public comment period before any proposed regulations are promulgated. Read the full New York Times article here.