Wisconsin has joined other coal-producing and consuming states in asking the US Supreme Court to block President Obama’s new rules to fight climate change.
The 29 states included in the filing are asking the high court for an emergency stay to block the EPA’s new policies. The move follows a federal appeals court refusing to issue such an order.
In a petition to Chief Justice John Roberts, the states argue the EPA would exceed its authority by enforcing the new mandate, which calls for power plants to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2030 based on 2005 levels. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has argued the rule would force the state to slash emissions by nearly 41 percent, since it relies heavily on coal-fired power plants for electricity.
Supports of the emissions standards argue there would irreparable harm to the environment if carbon emissions are not slashed.