The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to pause Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations aimed at reducing harmful mercury and methane emissions, rejecting a challenge brought forward by states and industry groups.

The high court’s decision allows the EPA to enforce its emissions standards, but further legal challenges remain on the horizon, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Several states, led by Republican officials, alongside industry groups, argued that the EPA overstepped its authority by introducing stringent regulations on mercury emissions from coal power plants and methane emissions from oil and gas production. These groups voiced concerns about the potential impact on the nation’s power grid and economic stability.

Challenges to EPA’s Authority Over Emissions

The regulations in question were issued under the Clean Air Act, one of the cornerstones of U.S. environmental law. The EPA targeted mercury emissions from lignite coal plants, setting ambitious goals: a 67% reduction in toxic metal emissions and a 70% reduction in mercury. The methane rule, aimed at oil and gas production, seeks an 80% reduction in methane emissions by 2038. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has been identified by the EPA as a significant contributor to climate change.

However, opponents of the rule claimed that the new standards would lead to power plant closures and increased electricity costs. They also questioned whether the health benefits cited by the EPA justified the economic burden the regulations would impose.

Federal Courts Reject Attempts to Block EPA Rules

The opposition to the EPA’s rules led to legal battles across multiple courts. Republican officials from nearly two dozen states, along with industry leaders, filed lawsuits aiming to stop the regulations from taking effect. They claimed the rules would destabilize the nation’s power grids and undermine the energy sector without delivering tangible health improvements.

Despite these arguments, a federal appeals court denied the request to pause the mercury and methane rules. The court rejected the claim that the regulations would trigger widespread power plant shutdowns and increase costs for consumers. Over 90% of coal plants were already compliant with the mercury standards, with only a few, including two plants in Montana, requiring additional measures.

Republican States and Industry Groups File Emergency Appeal

Following the lower court’s decision, the plaintiffs escalated their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking an emergency ruling to pause the regulations. In their appeal, they argued that the EPA had set impossible standards that were both unlawful and unfair. Oil and gas companies described the regulations as an “authoritarian national command,” criticizing the agency for overreaching its authority.

However, environmental experts suggested that the denials were not surprising. Jonathan Adler, a legal commentator, noted that the Supreme Court generally intervenes in such cases only when agencies appear to have misused their authority or mismanaged their powers.

Supreme Court Decision a Rare Win for EPA

The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the EPA to continue enforcing its emissions rules is a rare victory for the agency, particularly from a court that has recently ruled against similar regulatory efforts. Just months prior, the Court blocked a separate environmental rule, signaling skepticism toward the extent of federal regulatory authority.

While the EPA can move forward with the rules for now, the Court’s decision does not constitute a final ruling on the legality of the regulations. The case is expected to return to the courts for further review, with industry groups and states continuing to challenge the rules’ validity.

Long-Term Compliance Deadlines in Effect

The EPA’s regulations went into effect over the summer, and power plants have been given a three-year window to comply fully with the new standards. According to the EPA, the rules are critical to reducing the harmful environmental impacts of coal-fired power plants and methane emissions, which are considered a major contributor to global warming.

Although over 90% of coal plants are already in compliance with the mercury rule, the remaining facilities are working to meet the deadlines. The methane rule, which is more ambitious, sets a long-term goal of reducing emissions by nearly 80% by 2038. The EPA has underscored the importance of this rule in tackling climate change, calling methane a “powerful greenhouse gas.”

Further Legal Battles Ahead

Despite the Supreme Court’s denial of the emergency appeal, legal experts anticipate continued challenges to the EPA’s rules. Republican officials and industry groups remain committed to contesting the regulations, accusing the EPA of overreach and setting standards that are difficult to achieve.

At the same time, environmental advocates argue that the rules are essential to reducing harmful emissions and protecting public health. They point out that many power plants have already adapted to the mercury standards without significant disruptions.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to deny a request to pause the EPA’s methane and mercury rules marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles over environmental regulations.

While the Court’s ruling allows the EPA to continue enforcing these standards, further legal challenges are anticipated.

Republican states and industry groups argue the regulations overstep federal authority and risk destabilizing the energy sector, while environmental advocates maintain that the rules are critical to mitigating climate change and protecting public health.

With compliance deadlines in place and legal battles still unfolding, the future of these regulations remains uncertain.