Big polluter legal effort to delay historic Clean Power Plan dealt significant blow

Washington (January 21, 2016) –The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today rejected a stay to block implementation of the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan that was requested by opponents of the plan.

Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, released the following statement:

“The Clean Power Plan is the latest chapter in the history of the Clean Air Act’s success at improving air quality and public health in America. I applaud the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to allow the EPA and the states to continue their work on implementing the plan as litigation continues.

“In the last decade in America, renewable energy has increased dramatically and carbon pollution has fallen. The Clean Power Plan will help add to the job and health benefits we are already seeing from moving to a clean energy economy. The Supreme Court made clear in the Massachusetts v. EPA case and subsequent court cases that EPA has the authority to regulate carbon pollution. I’m glad President Obama and Administrator McCarthy are upholding their promises to use it in the face of dirty energy special interests blocking action in Congress.”