EPA Chief Defends New Emission Rules Amid Legal Challenges

In a recent interview with CNN, EPA Administrator Michael Regan expressed strong confidence in the agency's new regulations aimed at reducing emissions from power plants. These rules require coal and natural gas facilities to cut or capture 90% of their climate pollution by 2032, contributing to a projected 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the sector compared to 2005 levels. This initiative is a cornerstone of President Biden's strategy to combat climate change, but it faces potential legal hurdles as Republican attorneys general and industry groups have petitioned the Supreme Court to block its enforcement. Experts warn that the Supreme Court's conservative majority may be inclined to challenge the EPA's authority, particularly given its history of skepticism towards the agency's regulatory power. Regan acknowledged this precarious situation but emphasized that the new rules are designed with legal considerations in mind, stating that the EPA has learned from previous court rulings that limited its ability to regulate pollution effectively. Additionally, Regan addressed the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, which previously guided courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws. This change could expose many agency regulations to legal challenges, complicating the EPA's efforts to implement its agenda. Regan argued that Congress should also be cautious about its role in regulatory oversight. With increased funding for key initiatives, including the replacement of lead pipes and diesel school buses, Regan noted that the EPA is evolving into a more proactive agency, capable of making significant strides in environmental protection.