STATEMENT ON WV v. EPA SCOTUS RULING

Today the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) released a decision on the West Virginia v. EPA case that will gut the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority under the Clean Air Act to limit carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants and hamstring U.S. efforts to fight climate change. The decision will limit the EPA’s ability to set the strong standards needed to cut carbon pollution and tackle the climate crisis.

This will cause the states to fight the climate crisis on their own. This ruling:

• Limits the ability of the U.S. government to regulate carbon pollution from power plants and kicks the authority back to the states

• Jeopardizes any regulatory approach from federal government agencies, essentially prioritizing polluters over people

• Will continue to harm low-income communities and communities of color hit first and worst by climate change—experiencing disproportionate air and water pollution.

This decision highlights the urgency in implementing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in Illinois, while working to bring similar legislation to Indiana and Wisconsin. Air and water pollution know no borders. While we know federal action is necessary, there are meaningful actions that we can take now in our own local communities to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and grow the availability and accessibility of clean, renewable energy and jobs in those growing industries.

Faith in Place will continue to fight for these policies and carry out our faithful commitment to care for our shared home and protect the vulnerable.