Summary: The regulation issued by the EPA that would affect coal-fired power plants received a temporary halt by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Obama administration’s attempt to take on global warming. The temporary blockage by the Supreme Court on regulating the emissions of coal-fired power plants will likely face an appeals process now.
EPA Proposes Regulations for Coal-Fired Power Plants
President Obama has been trying to tackle climate changes but has been facing setbacks from corporations and industry groups. This latest setback in the form of a 5-to-4 vote with the four liberal justices dissenting was unexpected. The Supreme Court has never granted a request to stop a regulation before being reviewed by a federal appeals court.
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Cases to Restrict the Power of EPA
This setback is even greater because Obama used the regulation as an example at the Paris climate change pact two months ago as a way that the United States would take action in lowering emission. He urged other countries to follow suit but they may question what actions are needed to reduce carbon emissions.
West Virginia’s attorney general Patrick Morrisey was excited by the news, “We are thrilled that the Supreme Court realized the rule’s immediate impact and froze its implementation, protecting workers and saving countless dollars as our fight against its legality continues.” Twenty-eight other states have joined with West Virginia to oppose the regulations.
Supreme Court Tosses Limit on Power Plant Emissions
Bracewell & Giuliani lawyer Jeff Holmstead represents energy companies which are party to the lawsuit. He stated, “There’s a lot of people who are celebrating. It sends a pretty strong signal that ultimately it’s pretty likely to be invalidated.” The regulation issued by the EPA last year would require states to make drastic cuts to greenhouse gas pollution from electric-power plants.
Photo: breakingenergy.com