The Supreme Court has turned down requests to stop a new EPA rule thats targeting carbon pollution from power plants. This decision is a big deal for Joe Bidens climate change plans
The rule‚ which started about 3 months ago aims to make coal and gas power plants cut down on greenhouse gases. It says that by the late 2030s coal plants still running and some new gas plants must lower their emissions by 90% using carbon capture tech
Twenty-seven states (mostly with Republican leaders) power companies‚ and industry groups tried to stop the rule. They said it goes too far and might force coal plants to shut down. But the Supreme Court didnt agree with them
This comes after a ruling about 2 years ago that limited EPAs power to make big changes in how we make electricity. The EPA says we need to do something about power plants because they make up 25% of greenhouse gases in the US
The EPAs rule is being challenged in a lower court. The challengers say the EPA doesnt have the right to make such a big decision – they think Congress should decide. But for now the rule stays in place
The states and certain other challengers contend that the EPAʼs new rule likewise implicates a major question and exceeds the agencyʼs authority
The D.C. Circuit Court didnt stop the rule when asked about 3 months ago. They said the EPA was acting within its power. So for now Joe Bidens administration can keep moving forward with its plans to fight climate change