Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Authority to Regulate Carbon Emissions

The Supreme Court released a 6-3 decision Thursday morning that limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority on carbon emissions and could have far-reaching implications for other federal agencies. 

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts argued that while capping carbon emissions “may be a sensible ‘solution to the crisis of the day,’” the power to make decisions “of such magnitude and consequence” rested with Congress. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Elena Kagan argued that the majority was substituting its own interpretation of the intent of the Clean Air Act for the actual text of the law. 

Politicians and media figures reacted quickly. President Joe Biden said the decision “aims to take our country backwards,” adding, “I will not relent in using my lawful authorities to protect public health and tackle the climate crisis.” West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, told Fox News (Right bias) the ruling was “a very important victory for separation of powers, for the rule of law.”

Coverage was prominently featured across the spectrum on Thursday afternoon. Coverage in center and left-rated outlets often framed the ruling around its potential impact on climate change, saying it “hobbles government power to limit harmful emissions”; an Axios (Center) headline called it a “climate body blow.” Meanwhile, coverage from the right framed it as a victory for “rule of law” and a “serious blow” to the “Biden climate agenda.”