According to Michael Regan, administrator of the agency, the Supreme Court ruling that limits the power of Environment Protection Agency will slow down its ability to respond the climate crisis.
Thursday’s Court ruling ruled that the EPA doesn’t have the authority or the right to limit carbon emissions from power plants.
Regan called the move a setback, and claimed it made the U.S. less globally competitive.
He stated that the EPA had done a great job of focusing attention on all climate pollutants over the past 18 months. “Power plants play an important role in this bigger picture. That’s why the Supreme Court ruling is disappointing. It slows down the momentum of not just curtailing climate changes impacts but also the globally competitive aspects this country can take advantage to create jobs and increase economic opportunities.
Yesterday, President Biden said that the goal to have an emission-free power sector by 2035 was achieved. He also stated that yesterday’s ruling was another devastating decision that will “take our country backwards.”
He said that while this decision could have a negative impact on our nation’s ability keep our air clean and fight climate change, he would not hesitate to use his lawful authority to protect public health as well as tackle the climate crisis.
Regan stated that the EPA was reviewing the ruling and he urged Americans to speak up.
He said, “When we see setbacks we will take these punches and absorb them, then come back with counterpunch.” “We will continue to work with all the legal authorities to regulate climate pollution, and to protect communities.
“Rules like yesterday keep us from moving forward as fast as we would prefer.” Americans need to use their voices to make sure that we move forward and accomplish the things they want.
The Biden administration was the first to take office with the most ambitious climate plan of any president. This included the promise to reduce U.S. greenhouse gases emissions by half by the end 2010 based on 2005 levels.
Regan didn’t dwell on the possibility that there might be ripple effects on other countries’ ability to combat the effects of climate changes if the U.S. fails to meet its targets and instead focused on what the EPA had done.
He did however say that the court’s decision was a hindrance to achieving those targets.
“The Court’s decision, evidently, places a speed bump in work that this agency, and other agencies, would like to pursue. We will continue to monitor the Court’s decisions now and in the future.
