The Court's decision could limit the agency's authority to regulate carbon emissions in the power sector.
As President Biden heads to the international climate summit in Glasgow this week, the U.S. Supreme Court has announced plans to hear appeals that could limit the Environmental Protection Agency's power to regulate emissions, reports Greg Stohr.
"The conservative-controlled court will review a federal appeals court decision that critics say gave the EPA sweeping authority to reshape key sectors of the U.S. economy, going well beyond what Congress envisioned when it enacted the Clean Air Act," writes Stohr.
The appeals court ruling reversed a policy enacted by the Trump administration that only allowed the EPA to control carbon emissions "at the source" of power plants rather than taking a sector-wide approach.
Stohr quotes former EPA assistant administrator Jeff Holmstead as saying the decision comes as "a big surprise" that will set back the Biden administration's efforts to impose stricter regulations on the power sector and limit the EPA's powers just as the country has set ambitious emissions reduction goals.
The Court will hear arguments early next year, and a decision is expected by late June 2022.
FULL STORY: Top Court Takes Up Climate Challenge in Pre-Summit Jolt to Biden
LA’s Trees Absorb More Carbon Than Expected, But Can’t Do It Alone
A USC study finds that Los Angeles’ urban trees absorb more carbon than expected, but while they provide crucial environmental benefits, they cannot replace the urgent need for systemic emissions reductions.
The Inflation Reduction Act's Secret Climate Weapon
While the impact on inflation of the questionably-titled Inflation Reduction Act remains to be seen, the law will mitigate the damage done by a landmark Supreme Court case in June that gutted the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
Supreme Court Guts the U.S. EPA’s Ability to Limit Carbon Emissions
The consequences of this ruling have long been foretold. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now officially barred from the fight against climate change, Congress will have to act to reduce carbon emissions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds
A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.
Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.
Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions