Supreme Court limits Biden’s Ability to Reduce Emissions

The US Supreme Court's landmark decision is a significant setback for President Joe Biden’s climate plans. Although he called it a "devastating decision" he said that it would not hinder his efforts to address the climate crisis.

West Virginia brought the case against the EPA on behalf of 18 other Republican-led states, as well as some of the largest coal companies in the country. They claimed that the agency was not authorized to limit emissions in whole states.

These 19 states were concerned that their power sector would have to abandon coal use, which could lead to severe economic consequences. The court ruled in favor of the conservative states and fossil fuel companies in a 6-3 decision. It also ruled that the EPA was not authorized to impose such broad measures.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt - one among the 19 states - described it as a "big victory... that pushes back on the Biden EPA's job-killing regulations". Although the court doesn't prohibit the EPA completely from making regulations in the future, it states that Congress must clearly state that it authorizes this power.

The EPA's Carbon Limiting Programs have been rejected by Congress in the past. The outcome will concern environmental groups as the 19 states involved in the case have not made significant progress in reducing their carbon emissions, which is essential to limit climate change.

In 2018, 44% of US emissions were from the US states. Since 2000, they have only managed a 7% average reduction in their emissions.

Vickie Patton (general counsel for Environmental Defense Fund) stated that "Today's Supreme Court ruling undermines EPA's authority to protect people from climate pollution at a time when all evidence shows we must take action with great urgency,"