The Supreme Court has upheld two Biden administration environmental regulations aimed at reducing industry emissions of methane and toxic mercury. The regulations are part of the administration’s efforts to curb climate change and protect public health. The court did not provide reasoning for its decision, which came after challenges from industry groups and Republican-leaning states. The EPA believes the rules are necessary and within its legal authority, while opponents argue they are unattainable standards.
An EPA spokesperson stated that the agency is pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to deny applications to block the methane and mercury rules. The methane rule will target emissions from existing oil and gas wells nationwide, focusing on both new and smaller wells that contribute significantly to methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is a key contributor to climate change, making reductions in its emissions a global priority. The mercury rule updates regulations to limit emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants from coal-fired power plants.
The industry groups and states challenging the regulations argued that the standards are impossible to meet and would harm the industry. However, environmental advocates and the EPA believe the rules are necessary to protect public health and reduce the impact of climate change. The Supreme Court has previously struck down environmental regulations, including one limiting the EPA’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in 2022. The court’s decision to uphold these regulations is seen as a win for environmental advocates.
The methane and mercury rules are grounded in the EPA’s authority under the Clean Air Act, according to the agency. The regulations aim to deliver major climate and health benefits for all Americans by reducing harmful emissions from oil and gas drilling and coal-fired power plants. The court’s decision to uphold these rules is a positive step in the Biden administration’s broader efforts to address climate change, which include incentives for electric vehicles and infrastructure upgrades, and tighter pollution standards for cars and trucks.
Environmental advocates, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, have praised the court’s decision to uphold the regulations, calling them critical safeguards for public health and the environment. The rules will require energy companies to take steps to reduce methane emissions and limit toxic pollutants from power plants. As the Supreme Court continues to consider challenges to additional EPA regulations, advocates are hopeful that the court will uphold these measures as well to comply with directions given in previous decisions. The fight against climate change and environmental degradation continues, with the support of the judicial system in upholding these crucial regulations.
