The Supreme Court on Friday upheld two environmental rules from President Joe Biden’s administration, which aim to reduce industrial emissions of methane, which contributes to global warming, and mercury, which is a toxic metal.
The justices did not detail their reasoning in the orders, which come after a wave of emergency requests to block the rules from industry groups and Republican-leaning states. There were no notable dissents.
The high court is still considering objections to a third rule aimed at curbing pollution produced by coal-fired power plants, which contribute to global warming.
The rules are part of a broad effort by the Biden administration to address climate change, which includes financial incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles and improving infrastructure.
Industry groups and state officials argued that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overstepped its authority and set standards unattainable with the new rules. However, the organization asserted that the rules adhere to its legal responsibilities and protect the population.
In recent years, the Supreme Court has eliminated other environmental rules, including a landmark decision in 2022 that limited the EPA’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, and another that suspended the “good neighbor” rule of the agency to combat air pollution.
The methane rules impose new requirements on the oil and gas industry, which is the largest emitter of methane, a key contributor to climate change. A lower court had previously refused to suspend the rule.
Methane is the main component of natural gas and, in the short term, is much more potent than carbon dioxide. Drastic reductions in emissions of this gas are a global priority to reduce the pace of climate change.
The methane rule targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells across the country, and does not focus solely on new wells. It also regulates the smaller wells that were required to find and plug methane leaks.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channels YouTube, WhatsApp and to the newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.
Add Comment