SCOTUS approves Biden’s plan to reduce power plant emissions

The Supreme Court allowed the Biden administration’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants, rejecting an emergency appeal from over two dozen Republican-led states and utilities.

The regulations, finalized in April, require coal-fired plants operating past 2039 and new natural gas plants to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2047.

Critics argue the restrictions will lead to plant closures, job losses and grid reliability issues. 

However, the Biden administration insists the rules will protect communities and help meet climate goals. 

The decision marks the third time this month that SCOTUS justices have refused to immediately block Biden’s climate initiatives.

The EPA estimates that this initiative could prevent approximately 1,200 premature deaths annually and reduce carbon emissions by about 1.4 billion metric tons, equivalent to the annual emissions of 328 million cars.