The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled against Oklahoma and two dozen other states who filed suit challenging the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. The three-judge panel ruled this week that it would stop stop the implementation and enforcement of the rule that is meant to cut greenhouse gas emissions from mostly coal-fired power plants.
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt filed a challenge last year, saying the rule was ‘over reach’ and would lead to higher energy prices for consumers. Governor Mary Fallen also issued an executive order stopping all state agencies from taking any steps to implement the controversial rule. The Appeals Court issued a two-page order, denying a stay request on the plan which took effect in October, 2015.
Despite the setback, Pruitt isn’t giving up.
“The attorney general’s office is pleased the court did agree to an expedited briefing and argument schedule, because this will allow the court to immediately consider and decide this important issue,” said Arron Cooper, a spokesman for Scott Pruitt. “The attorney general is committed to pursuing all available legal options to block this unlawful and expensive EPA rule.”
The EPA plan will require nationwide reduction in greenhouse gases from power plants of 32 percent from the 2005 levels by 2030. Oklahoma would have to reduce its emissions by the 32 percent. States have until 2018 to come up with a compliance plan and if they don’t, the Environmental Protection Agency will create one for them.
