Supreme Court leaves in place two Biden environmental regulations

Oct 4, 2024, 4:16 PM

FILE - The Supreme Court building is seen, June 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbei...

FILE - The Supreme Court building is seen, June 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court left in place Friday two Biden administration environmental regulations aimed at reducing industry emissions of planet-warming methane and toxic mercury.

The justices did not detail their reasoning in the orders, which came after a flurry of emergency applications to block the rules from industry groups and Republican-leaning states. There were no noted dissents.

The high court is still considering challenges to a third rule aimed at curbing planet-warming pollution from coal-fired power plants.

The regulations are part of a broader effort by the Biden administration aimed at curbing climate change that includes financial incentives to buy electric vehicles and upgrade infrastructure.

The industry groups and states had argued the Environmental Protection Agency overstepped its authority and set unattainable standards with the new regulations. The EPA, though, said the rules are squarely within its legal responsibilities and would protect the public.

The Supreme Court has shot down other environmental regulations in recent years, including a landmark decision that limited the EPA’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in 2022 and another that halted the agency’s air-pollution-fighting “good neighbor” rule.

Utah physician: air quality could ‘harm thousands of children’ after EPA regulations thrown out by Supreme Court

The methane rule puts new requirements on the oil and gas industry, which is the largest emitter of the gas that’s a key contributor to climate change. A lower court previously refused to halt the regulation.

Methane is the main component in natural gas and far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. Sharp cuts in methane emissions are a global priority to slow the rate of climate change.

The methane rule targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells nationwide, rather than focusing only on new wells. It also regulates smaller wells that will be required to find and plug methane leaks.

Studies have found that smaller wells produce just 6% of the nation’s oil and gas but account for up to half the methane emissions from well sites. The plan also calls for a phased-in requirement for energy companies to eliminate routine flaring, or burning of natural gas that is produced by new oil wells.

The states challenging the rule called the new standards “impossible to meet” and said they amounted to an “attack” on the industry.

The mercury rule, meanwhile, came after a reversal of a move by the Trump administration. It updated regulations that were more than a decade old for emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants that can affect the nervous system, kidneys and fetal development.

Industry groups and conservative-leaning states argued emissions were already low enough, and the new standards could force the shuttering coal-fired power plants.

The EPA said the updates are needed to protect public health.

David Doniger, senior attorney at Natural Resources Defense Council, called the two rules critical safeguards and applauded the order leaving them in place. He also looked ahead to the still-undecided challenges to the power plant rule.

“The court should do the same with the effort to block EPA’s power plant carbon pollution standards, which comply with the very directions the court gave it in 2022,” Doniger said.

___

Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.

KSL 5 TV Live

FILE - President Donald Trump stands with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House, June 25, 20...

Zeke Miller, AP White House Corespondent

Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan

President Donald Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House as he escalates pressure on the Arab nation to take in refugees from Gaza as part of his audacious plan to remake the Middle East.

1 hour ago

Luis Rubiales enters court in Madrid, Spain on February 11, where he later testified he recieved co...

Jack Guy and Pau Mosquera, CNN

Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales testifies he asked for consent for World Cup kiss

Former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales said Tuesday that he asked Women’s World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso for permission before kissing her during the on-field medal ceremony for Spain’s victory in 2023.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Puka Nacua, Luka Doncic Swap Jerseys Following LA Lakers Debut

Following the much-anticipated Lakers debut of Luka Doncic, the NBA superstar swapped jerseys with fellow Los Angeles sports star Puka Nacua.

8 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Luka, LeBron, Lakers Lambast Jazz

Luka Doncic and the LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Utah Jazz 132-113 in the Slovenian guard's Hollywood debut.

8 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Fall Short, Lakers Strike Gold In Luka Doncic’s Debut

The Utah Jazz were on the wrong end of a blowout at Cypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers started the Luka Doncic era off on the right foot.

9 hours ago

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Supreme Court leaves in place two Biden environmental regulations