Supreme Court Asked to Limit EPA’s Long-Standing Authority to Protect America from Climate Pollution

“In briefs filed yesterday, the coal industry and its allies asked the Supreme Court to dramatically limit EPA’s longstanding authority and obligation to protect Americans from the deadly threat of climate pollution. They are seeking to dangerously undermine safeguards against climate pollution at a time when the climate crisis is harming people across the country and our window to prevent severe harm is closing. Their requests willfully ignore major Supreme Court rulings about EPA’s authority and responsibility to address the clear and present danger of climate change.

“Our nation’s clean air laws require EPA to protect Americans from dangerous air pollution, including the pollution that are causing climate disasters that are hurting people and communities across the country. EPA’s established authority to craft pollution safeguards for coal-fired power plants that are rooted in science and the law must be safeguarded, for the benefit of all Americans.

“EDF looks forward to presenting a strong argument to the Supreme Court in support of EPA’s authority to use best practices to protect Americans from dangerous climate pollution from power plants.”

          - Michael Panfil, Director of Climate Risk Strategies, Environmental Defense Fund