Search

Supreme Court Stays EPA's Clean Power Plan

Posted on 2/10/2016 by Roger Marks

In response to appeals from both states and industry advocates, the US Supreme Court yesterday issued a stay on EPA’s Clean Power Plan in a 5–4 decision. This is the latest hurdle for the long-delayed implementation of new air quality standards for carbon dioxide (CO2) from electricity generators. A “stay” in this case means the US EPA is prevented from implementing or enforcing its Clean Power Plan, pending the outcome of litigation that challenges the Rule’s legality. 

Finalized in August 2015, the Clean Power Plan sets state-specific emissions limits for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The plan addresses carbon dioxide which accounts for 82% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, and aims to lower carbon pollution from the power sector by 32% over 15 years.

State Air Plans Due Summer ’16  

States currently in the process of creating compliance plans to account for EPA’s new CO2 emissions limits may delay their plans as they wait for the outcome of ongoing litigation. In its Final Rule, EPA set “Summer 2016” as a tentative deadline for states to submit compliance plans. Whether the deadline will change once the court cases are settled remains to be seen.

Clean Air Act rules for carbon dioxide air emissions from power plants

This is the second time the Supreme Court has ruled against new EPA Clean Air Act rules in recent memory. In June 2015, the Court found EPA unreasonably interpreted Federal law by failing to consider costs to industry in its decision to expand regulation of mercury and other toxic emissions, in the case Michigan v. EPA.

Master Your Clean Air Act Responsibilities
A new online course is now available to help environmental engineers, EHS managers, and compliance officers keep their facilities in compliance with the US EPA’s Clean Air Act programs. The Clean Air Act Regulations guides professionals through compliance with Title V permit requirements, emissions and pollution controls, annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, Risk Management Planning (RMP) responsibilities, and more. 

Build the expertise needed to make informed on-the-job decisions that help your site control pollution and maintain compliance. Interactive, easy to use, and available 24/7, the new online course will help you get up to speed with new and changing EPA clean air rules and protect your facility from costly EPA enforcement. 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.