The Supreme Court has declined to halt the Biden administration’s plan to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants, rejecting an emergency request from Republican states and energy industry groups. Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch believe the challengers may eventually win some arguments, but there is no urgency for the Supreme Court to intervene at this time. The Environmental Protection Agency announced the rules in April to combat climate pollution, stating that climate change is the nation’s most pressing environmental challenge. Challengers argue the technology required to keep coal-fired plants operating is unworkable and that the EPA exceeded its authority, similar to a previous attempt under the Obama administration. The rules require existing coal and new natural gas power plants to cut or capture 90% of their greenhouse gas pollution by 2032. The EPA defended the rules, saying the reduction level is achievable through carbon capture technology. However, opponents argue the technology is still developing and may not be deployable as quickly or extensively as suggested. The EPA projects that most coal power plants will likely close by 2045. While some power companies challenged the rules, others, including major utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric Company, supported the EPA’s efforts to reduce emissions from power plants.
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Supreme Court upholds Biden administration’s power plant emissions rule
