The U.S Supreme Court today ordered
the federal government to give the Environmental Protection Agency the authority
to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide from cars and power plants.
“The Court’s decision will likely
embolden Congress to pass legislation that sets a cap for carbon emissions
sooner rather than later,” stated Erin Bowser Environment Ohio director.
“Ohio can prepare now by diversifying its
energy mix to include carbon-free, homegrown wind and solar power that will be
inexpensive, reliable and create Ohio jobs.”
Prior to today’s decision the Bush
administration’s EPA resisted regulating carbon and declared that the emissions
were not pollutants and therefore could not be regulated under the Clean Air
Act. Key to today’s decision was refuting this point and clarifying that
greenhouse gases are to be considered air pollutants and therefore should be
regulated under the Clean Air Act.
Ohio’s largest
source of carbon emissions comes from power plants and in 2005 Ohio’s plants were the
second largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the
nation.
“Environment Ohio urges Ohio’s leaders
to take a look at this decision and act on Ohio’s obligation to reduce its contribution to global
warming and leverage Ohio’s strengths.” Bowser stated, “We are well
positioned to lead the nation in renewable energy technologies and development
that could boost our economy, create jobs and make Ohio a profitable energy
exporter of clean renewable energy that is increasingly going to be in demand
once a carbon cap is in place.”
In a 5-4 decision, Justice John Paul
Stevens authored the majority opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices
Alito, Scalia and Thomas dissented.
