SCOTUS Hears Arguments on Biden’s Smog Plan to Clear the Air
The justices at the Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments about Prez Biden’s plan to reduce smog-causing emissions that float between states. Dubbed the “smog plan,” it requires certain upwind states to cut pollution from power facilities and factories that gets blown into neighboring areas. The EPA crafted the regulations but some states are fighting it.
A few of the conservative justices on the bench seemed skeptical of the smog plan. They pointed out lower courts struck it down for dozens of states, so the EPA was being stubborn making the remaining states follow it. “They just ignored what the judges said,” noted one justice. Supporters argue unhealthy air doesn’t stop at state lines, so cooperation is needed.
What’s All The Fuss About?
If you ain’t heard, smog isn’t good for breathing. It’s formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds chemically react in the atmosphere. Power plants and factories are major sources of these ingredients. The smog plan wants to tighten restrictions on such big polluters in certain areas to help outhate states dealing with dirty air blown in. But some states claim it’ll cripple their energy grids.
A decision from the high court is pending. It could pause the smog plan temporarily or let it keep chugging along. No matter what they rule, this debate on cross-border air pollution will keep everyone gasping for more answers. We’ll all be holding our breath for the outcome.
