WASHINGTON (June 26, 2012)--A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals Tuesday upheld the first federal regulations to reduce the gases blamed for global warming.

The rules, which industry groups and states, including Texas are challenging, will reduce emissions of six heat-trapping gases from large industrial facilities, such as factories and power plants, as well as automobile tailpipes.

The panel said Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency was "unambiguously correct" in using existing federal law to address global warming.

The court denied two of the challenges, including one arguing the agency erred in concluding greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare.

The court dismissed challenges to two other regulations.

The court didn't immediately release the decision, but The Associated Press obtained a copy from a participant in the case.

Texas officials said later Tuesday they’re considering whether to appeal the ruling.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott slammed the decision Tuesday, saying "it failed to rein in the unelected bureaucrats at the agency who are holding our country's energy independence and fragile economy hostage to a radical environmental agenda."

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chairman Bryan Shaw said the rules will be a "burden on jobs and the economy."