The Supreme Court upheld Biden administration regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, a significant contributor to climate change. The regulations, finalized in March, are intended to cut methane emissions by up to 80 percent over the next 14 years. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The regulations were challenged by Republican-led states and industry groups, who argued that the regulations go beyond the authority granted under the Clean Air Act. However, the court rejected emergency applications to block the regulations without comment.
In a separate action, the court also rejected a bid to block regulations aimed at curbing emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from coal-fired power plants. The regulations, issued this year by the EPA, tighten existing regulations on mercury and other metals while taking costs into account. The EPA stated that the earlier 2012 regulation had driven reductions in harmful air toxic pollutants and that the new regulations would further limit emissions of mercury and other pollutants, providing health benefits. The court rejected the emergency request to block the regulations, allowing the regulations to remain in effect.
Litigation related to regulations concerning greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants is still pending before the court. In the methane case, the court’s decision means that the EPA regulation aimed at reducing methane emissions will remain in effect. The regulation has been challenged by various states and industry groups who argue that the administration is using provisions of the Clean Air Act in ways that were not intended to address climate change. The Solicitor General representing the Biden administration dismissed these concerns, stating that the agency has not overstepped its authority in issuing the regulations.
The court’s decision to uphold the regulations marks a victory for the Biden administration’s efforts to address climate change and reduce harmful emissions. The regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas facilities and mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants are seen as crucial steps in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting public health. While the regulations have faced legal challenges from conservative states and industry groups, the court’s rejection of emergency applications to block the regulations allows them to remain in effect and continue to work towards reducing emissions.
The methane regulation aims to significantly reduce methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, while the mercury regulation tightens restrictions on toxic pollutants from coal-fired power plants. The regulations are based on provisions of the Clean Air Act that require the EPA to curb emissions of harmful pollutants while taking costs into account. The EPA has stated that the regulations will provide health benefits by reducing exposure to carcinogens and other harmful pollutants. The court’s decision to uphold the regulations is a positive development in the fight against climate change and air pollution.
Despite the challenges from states and industry groups, the Biden administration’s efforts to address climate change and reduce harmful emissions have received support from the court in upholding the regulations. The regulations on methane and mercury emissions are crucial steps in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting public health. The court’s rejection of emergency applications to block the regulations allows the Biden administration’s environmental policies to continue moving forward, providing hope for a cleaner and healthier future.
