Supreme Court Upholds Biden's Environmental Regulations on Methane and Mercury

The Supreme Court has upheld two significant environmental regulations from the Biden administration aimed at reducing emissions of methane and toxic mercury. This decision comes amidst ongoing challenges from industry groups and Republican-led states, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court left in place two regulations targeting methane and mercury emissions.
• The regulations are part of a broader Biden administration effort to combat climate change.
• Industry groups argue the rules are unattainable and overreach EPA authority.
• The methane rule focuses on emissions from existing oil and gas wells, including smaller operations.
• The mercury rule updates standards that were over a decade old, reversing a previous Trump administration decision.

Overview of the Regulations

The regulations upheld by the Supreme Court are designed to tackle two major pollutants: methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and mercury, a toxic element that poses serious health risks. The methane rule specifically targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells, while the mercury rule updates standards for emissions from coal-fired power plants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) argues that these regulations are essential for public health and environmental protection. According to EPA spokesperson Remmington Belford, the methane rule will leverage existing technologies to significantly reduce emissions, while the mercury rule will ensure that coal-fired power plants adhere to modern standards for hazardous air pollutants.

Industry Response

Industry groups and several states have expressed strong opposition to these regulations. They argue that the standards set by the EPA are unrealistic and could severely impact the oil and gas industry. Critics have labeled the new requirements as an “attack” on the industry, claiming they could lead to job losses and economic downturns in energy-producing regions.

The states challenging the methane rule have described the new standards as “impossible to meet,” raising concerns about the feasibility of compliance. In contrast, the EPA maintains that the rules are well within its legal authority under the Clean Air Act and are necessary for safeguarding public health.

Implications for Climate Change

Methane is a significant contributor to climate change, being far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. The new methane regulations aim to reduce emissions from both large and small oil and gas operations, addressing a sector that is the largest emitter of this greenhouse gas. Studies indicate that smaller wells, while producing only a fraction of the nation’s oil and gas, account for a substantial portion of methane emissions.

The phased-in requirements for energy companies to eliminate routine flaring of natural gas produced by new oil wells are also a critical component of the methane rule. This move is expected to further reduce emissions and contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change.

Future Challenges

While the Supreme Court has upheld these two regulations, it is still deliberating on a third EPA rule aimed at curbing pollution from coal-fired power plants. Environmental advocates are hopeful that the court will also support this rule, which aligns with the directions provided by the court in previous rulings.

David Doniger, a senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasized the importance of these regulations as critical safeguards for public health and the environment. He expressed optimism that the court will uphold the power plant carbon pollution standards as well.

In summary, the Supreme Court's decision to uphold these regulations marks a significant step in the Biden administration's efforts to combat climate change and protect public health, despite ongoing challenges from industry and political opponents.

Sources

• Supreme Court leaves in place two Biden environmental regulations, Yahoo Finance Canada.