The United States Supreme Court has granted a temporary hold on the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations that would limit the nation’s carbon emissions from power plants.   A stay application was filed by Missouri and several other states that are suing the EPA on its “Clean Power Plan”. The Attorneys General of the states suing claim the EPA is exceeding its authority in issuing the regulations.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is pleased with the court’s decision.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster

“In staying the rule, the Supreme Court ensured the rule’s legality will be tested before Missouri ratepayers could be forced to bear the burden of compliance.”

The EPA’s plan aims to move the country’s energy production away from coal-burning power plants toward cleaner sources, including solar and wind power. Carbon emissions would be cut nationwide 30% by 2030.

Koster noted that Missouri’s energy producers estimate that complying with EPA’s deadlines would cost the state more than $6 billion.

He argued that Missouri is better off maintaining the competitive advantage it enjoys through low-energy costs while continuing to develop low- and zero-emission sources of energy on a more reasonable timeline.

“Renewable energy is a vital piece of our state’s energy portfolio,” Koster said. “It is essential, however, that we achieve this goal in an economically responsible way that makes sense for Missouri.”

The stay will remain in effect pending the outcome of the lawsuit, including through any appeal to the United States Supreme Court.