Challenging the ‘Good Neighbor’ Rule A group of GOP-led states, alongside fossil fuel industry representatives and utilities, have petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene against the Biden administration’s ‘good neighbor’ rule. This rule, part of the Clean Air Act, is designed to curtail harmful smog and air pollution that crosses state lines, impacting downwind areas.
Background of the EPA Regulation The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under a court-ordered deadline, updated the interstate pollution rule in March to align it with current health guidelines and scientific understanding. This revision had been delayed during the Trump administration and now requires 23 states to comply with new standards to prevent their pollution from affecting neighboring states.
Impact on States and Industries The rule mandates that power plants and heavy industries in these states install specialized pollution control equipment. This is essential to mitigate the spread of pollutants like ozone and smog during peak ozone seasons, which vary from state to state.
Opposition’s Stance and Concerns The challenging parties argue that the Biden EPA’s plan could threaten the reliability of the national electric grid and cause economic damages. They claim that the rule’s strict requirements might lead to electric-grid emergencies due to adjustments in power supply operations.
Anticipated Health Benefits of the Rule Supporters of the rule, like Earthjustice attorney Kathleen Riley, emphasize its significant health benefits. Full implementation is expected to reduce asthma symptoms, decrease hospital admissions, and potentially save over a thousand lives annually by cutting down harmful emissions from coal-fired power plants.
The Legal Battle Ahead As the rule faces challenges in multiple courts, the Supreme Court’s response to this emergency request will be pivotal. The Court is expected to seek a response from the EPA before deciding on the petition.
In summary, the ‘good neighbor’ rule, a critical environmental regulation aimed at reducing interstate air pollution, faces a significant challenge from a coalition of GOP-led states and industry groups. The outcome of their Supreme Court petition could have far-reaching implications for environmental policies and public health in the United States.
