Supreme Court Decision: What This Means for Biden’s Climate Agenda

Supreme Court building with steps and columns.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to halt a federal rule limiting carbon emissions from power plants marks a significant victory for the Biden administration’s climate policy.

At a Glance

  • Supreme Court allows EPA to proceed with carbon emissions limits on power plants
  • Rule requires coal-fired plants to capture 90% of emissions or shut down within 8 years
  • Over two dozen states and industry groups challenged the regulation
  • Decision is provisional as the case continues through lower courts
  • EPA estimates rule could provide up to $370 billion in climate and health benefits

Supreme Court Upholds EPA’s Authority

In a move that bolsters President Biden’s climate agenda, the Supreme Court has declined to pause a groundbreaking federal rule aimed at reducing carbon emissions from coal- and gas-powered plants. This decision allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to move forward with its plans to limit pollution from one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide in the United States.

The rule, which is part of the Biden administration’s broader goal to eliminate pollution from emissions by 2050, faced opposition from a coalition of more than two dozen states and industry groups. These challengers questioned the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed emission control techniques, arguing that the EPA had overstepped its authority.

Implications of the Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court’s ruling is provisional and was made in response to an emergency application as the challenge progresses through lower courts. However, it signifies a temporary victory for the Biden administration and environmentalists who support stricter regulations on carbon emissions.

The conservative-majority court’s decision not to block the EPA rule came as a surprise to some observers. Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, while Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch suggested that challengers might succeed on some claims but saw no immediate need to block the rule. Justice Samuel Alito recused himself due to a personal investment in a challenging company.

The EPA Rule and Its Impact

The rule mandates that coal-fired power plants capture 90% of their carbon emissions or shut down within eight years, with compliance deadlines starting in 2025. This ambitious target has raised concerns among industry groups and some states about the economic feasibility and potential impact on electricity supply and prices.

The National Mining Association opposes the rule, citing potential economic harm and increased electricity demand. However, environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council support the measure, calling it modest but essential for addressing climate change.

Potential Benefits and Challenges

The EPA estimates that the rule could provide up to $370 billion in climate and health benefits and prevent 1.4 billion metric tons of carbon pollution by 2047. The agency claims the impact would be equivalent to removing 328 million gasoline-powered cars from the roads.

However, challengers argue that the rule violates the “major questions doctrine” and could lead to plant closures and increased electricity rates. They also question the commercial viability of the required “90% carbon capture” technology.

As the case continues through the lower courts, the Supreme Court’s decision allows the rule to remain in effect. The challengers may return to the high court for relief after the D.C. Circuit Court’s ruling if necessary, setting the stage for a potential future showdown over the extent of the EPA’s regulatory authority in combating climate change.

Sources:

  1. SCOTUS Won’t Pause EPA Emissions Rule
  1. Supreme Court clears way for Biden’s plan to cut power plant emissions
  1. Supreme Court Allows E.P.A. to Limit Power Plant Emissions
  1. Supreme Court allows rule limiting pollution from coal-fired power plants to remain in effect
  1. Supreme Court allows EPA emissions rule to stand while litigation continues
  1. US Supreme Court won’t pause EPA power plant emissions rule
  1. Supreme Court allows Biden to implement plan to curb carbon emissions from power plants
  1. Supreme Court Refuses to Freeze Greenhouse-Gas Rule
  1. Supreme Court allows Biden EPA to enforce climate rules for power plants
  1. US Supreme Court Won’t Pause EPA Power Plant Emissions Rule
  1. Supreme Court allows rule limiting pollution from coal-fired power plants to remain in effect