Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court is likely to have a split decision on whether power plant owners must pay for their planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.
The court heard arguments on Wednesday in a case brought by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature, which is challenging a 2014 law that requires power plants to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
The law, which was passed by a Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed by then-Gov. Tom Wolf, is designed to help Pennsylvania meet its obligations under the federal Clean Power Plan. The Trump administration has since rolled back the Clean Power Plan, but Pennsylvania’s law remains in effect.
The Republican-controlled Legislature argues that the law is unconstitutional because it gives the governor too much power to regulate emissions without the approval of the Legislature. The Democrats argue that the law is a necessary step to address climate change.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision in the case later this year.
The case is being closely watched by other states that are considering similar laws.
A victory for the Republican-controlled Legislature in Pennsylvania could embolden other states to challenge their own climate change laws. A victory for the Democrats, on the other hand, could give other states the green light to move forward with their own climate change initiatives.
The outcome of the case is also likely to have a significant impact on the debate over climate change at the federal level.
The Trump administration has been a vocal critic of climate change regulations, and a victory for the Republican-controlled Legislature in Pennsylvania could give the administration more ammunition to roll back federal climate change regulations.
A victory for the Democrats, on the other hand, could give the Biden administration more support to take action on climate change.
The Supreme Court’s decision in this case is therefore likely to have a significant impact on the fight against climate change, both in Pennsylvania and across the country.
