WASHINGTON (AP _ The Environmental Protection Agency is making clear it will not be rushed into a decision on whether to regulate emissions linked to global warming, as directed by the Supreme Court.

EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson told key members of Congress on Thursday that regulating carbon dioxide _ a leading greenhouse gas _ “could affect many (emission) sources beyond just cars and trucks” and needs to be closely examined before a decision is made.

Johnson said he will begin a formal process soon to examine the issue by asking for public comment on the implications of CO2 regulation on other air rules. The Supreme Court in April of last year held that carbon dioxide is a pollutant. It directed the EPA to determine if it endangers public health and welfare. Critics have accused Johnson of stalling on the politically sensitive issue.