“With respect to climate pollution, we will act,” Lisa Jackson, Environmental Protection Agency administrator, said Monday in a press conference.

Jackson announced that the EPA has finalized their endangerment findings on greenhouse gas pollution, deeming it a threat to human and environmental health.

With the conclusion of this three-year study, the organization is now legally authorized under the Clean Air Act to take regulatory strides to reduce greenhouse gas pollutants.

In January 2010, in accordance with the EPA, the U.S. will begin to monitor large greenhouse gas emitters.

In 2011, large emitters will be required to submit publicly available reports of their greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for the EPA to determine long-term trends.

“This reporting will also bring to light opportunities to jump-start private investment in energy efficiency and new technologies and products – saving money, improving bottom lines and growing the economy,” Jackson said.

Jackson added that she hoped this announcement would help to build the foundation for developing green jobs, alleviating dependence on foreign oils, and securing a better future for generations to come.

“These long-overdue findings cement 2009’s place in history as the year when the United States government began addressing the challenge of greenhouse-gas pollution,” Jackson said.

The announcement is timely, as the United Nations Climate Change Conference at Copenhangen-where President Obama is meeting with leaders from around the globe-commences today.

To read Lisa Jackson’s full speech click here.