In the last two years, the Supreme Court has made a series of decisions that have significantly weakened the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate pollution, toxic chemicals, and greenhouse gases. This term, the court’s conservative majority has handed down rulings that limit the power of federal agencies. The EPA has been a particular target, facing challenges from conservative activists who argue that its regulations have increased costs for industries. The court has taken unprecedented steps to intervene in environmental regulations, such as striking down rules before they were finalized or implemented. These decisions not only endanger existing environmental rules but also hinder future administrations from creating new ones. Environmental advocates warn that the recent rulings are among the worst in the court’s history and could have disastrous consequences for the environment. Industries and conservative groups have celebrated the court’s decisions as a victory in their efforts to influence environmental policy. The Supreme Court’s actions could make it difficult for the EPA to implement President Biden’s ambitious climate goals. Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman and other experts express concern that the court’s decisions prioritize a political agenda over environmental protection, putting lives at risk. The court’s rulings have sparked debate about the need for Congress to update and pass new environmental legislation to address the challenges of climate change and a changing economy.
