Consortium Statement on Supreme Court Upholding EPA’s Power Plant Emissions Rules

October 17, 2024

Yesterday, the Supreme Court declined to stay the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) suite of rules aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants, blocking industry attempts to pause these needed regulations.

“The court’s decision is a win for public health,” said Lisa Patel, executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. “It is a well-established fact that pollution from power plants harms our health and exacerbates the climate crisis. We need strong regulations in place to ensure clean air and healthy environments for all.”

Curtailing power plant pollution is a matter of health equity. Communities of color and low-income communities experience the brunt of health harms from pollution, including a higher risk of asthma, COPD, and neurological harms. The court’s decision today will help limit pollution and harmful emissions.

The Consortium supports the Court’s decision to uphold EPA’s power plant rules and will keep fighting for healthy environments for all communities. We hope the court will continue to allow needed climate and health protections and will continue to fight against pollution that harms our health and our communities.