The EPA Is Not Above the Law

Townhall.com ^ | January 9, 2015 | Todd Gaziano

[sphinx]

What is this “law” of which you speak? We have a sovereign. He has a phone and a pen and a teleprompter. He commands, and we obey. What has “law” to do with it?

[lowbridge]

“The EPA Is Not Above the Law”

Sorry. The EPA didnt get that memo.

[dfwgator]

[Daveinyork]

It’s not a common misconception. I know of cases where they have ignored the courts. It’s why the federal judge called them a rogue regulatory agency.

And it’s also Congress’ fault for letting them get away with it, so that the congressthings can pass blame away from themselves.

[vpintheak]

I agree in principal, but our cowardly courts and legislative branch have usurped their authority and handed the EPA and other unconstitutional authorities that ability to write crap essentially into law without due process.

[vpintheak]

I like the smarmy guy in the background too. Like everyone doesn’t like clean air and only they do...

[Rusty0604]

I agree. All those agencies should be dissolved and all their rules reversed.

[Carry_Okie]

On the other hand, a Constitution that had some kind of Ombudsman built into it, would it end up being any better than our current situation?

An elected prosecutor would be interesting but from what I've seen of California's AG position, if the authority is too broad, the position ends up dysfunctional (but would Laz hit it?).

More seriously, I think that physical penalties (prison terms, death, etc.) for clearly defined crimes such as usurpation of power (whether in authoring legislation, the scope of a court ruling, or an administrative act) is what Henry was thinking. Specifically, he was very concerned with treaty law as a means of such usurpation.

[Blood of Tyrants]

If Congress wants those “rules”, let them debate and then pass them into law the constitutional method.

[Impy]

They are the law, apparently. So is the also unelected FDA. Needless to say the founders did not envision this.

But hey lets whine about the 17 amendment, that’s the real problem amirie?

[Smokin' Joe]

These converters transform car exhaust hydrocarbons into water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2)

Yep. We could save a bundle (and the planet!!! /s) by just not putting the catalytic converters on cars...

[ModelBreaker]

“They can’t have it both ways.”

You just need power, money, and freedom from accountability. Then you can have it as many ways as you want. That’s the great thing about the administrative State.

[ModelBreaker]

“On the other hand, a Constitution that had some kind of Ombudsman built into it, would it end up being any better than our current situation?”

I’m sure Obama would appoint, and congress would confirm, only Ombudsmen who would protect ordinary citizens against the companies, unions, and NGO’s who made sure they got elected.