Judges block US power plan

The US Supreme Court has blocked the Clean Power Plan, dealing a blow to President Barack Obama’s efforts to rein in carbon emissions.

The court voted 5-4 to grant a temporary stay while an appeals court considers a challenge from 27 states. The case will likely return to the Supreme Court after the lower court makes a ruling.

The regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency requires states to cut greenhouse gas emissions by closing coal-fired plants and increasing renewable energy.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the Obama administration disagrees with the Supreme Court decision and will work with states that choose to continue plan development while litigation proceeds.

“At the same time, the administration will continue to take aggressive steps to make forward progress to reduce carbon emissions,” said Earnest.

The American Wind Energy Association said it’s confident the regulation will withstand the legal challenges.

“A stay, however is disappointing because it may signal eventual delays in reducing both the carbon pollution that is causing climate change and getting proven, clean and affordable wind energy to more Americans,” said AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan.

“A centerpiece of president Obama’s climate action plan, the Clean Power Plan builds on existing trends in the electric power sector that have allowed many states around the country to reduce emissions at a rapid rate, while producing lower electric rates for consumers, and embrace cleaner energy solutions, like wind energy,” said Kiernan.

Image: Washington Supreme Court (Cacaphony)