US states and cities sue over Trump EPA’s repeal of emissions rules
Democratic-led coalition says gutting key protections will set US back decades and worsen climate crisis
TL;DR
- 21 states, led by New York, and several cities are suing the Trump administration over the repeal of power plant emissions rules.
- The coalition argues that gutting these climate protections will set the nation back decades and worsen the climate crisis.
- The EPA announced last month it is revoking the Biden-era rule and aims to prevent future administrations from regulating climate pollution from power plants.
- New York attorney general Letitia James criticized the federal government's action as a betrayal of American families and a disregard for health and the environment.
- The EPA claims the repeal will save the industry over $300 billion and help 'unleash' American energy.
- The coalition is petitioning the US court of appeals for the District of Columbia to strike down the repeal, citing the EPA's failure to properly consider alternatives and the costs of increased pollution.
- This lawsuit is part of a wave of climate change litigation, with a separate case involving Boulder, Colorado, suing oil and gas companies heading to the Supreme Court.
- The rule change signifies a shift from previous Democratic efforts to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.