A rule was proposed Tuesday by the EPA that would require 13,000 factories, power plants and other facilities to record and report all greenhouse gas emissions. It would be put into effect under the Clean Air Act and would require the reporting of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases.

“This is the foundation of any serious program to cap and reduce global warming pollution,” said David Doniger, policy director for the climate center at the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC).

The data compiled through this rule is meant to later assist in the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. It will cover 85 to 90 percent of greenhouse gases in the US. Small businesses will be exempt from reporting.

There will be a 60-day comment period and two public hearings on the rule. If put into effect, industries will begin to monitor emissions in 2010 and report in 2011.

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