Last Tuesday, February 9th 2016, the US Supreme Court suspended Barack Obama’s plan to cut carbon emission. This decision is a major blow to US president efforts to fight climate change.
Obama’s Clean Power Plan on hold
From a US Supreme Court decision, Obama Clean Power Plan had been put on hold. A coalition of more than 30 states (mostly Republican-led states) and industry opponents called upon the Supreme Court arguing against the plan.
Supreme Court Deals Blow to EPA’s Clean Power Plan, Obama Vows to Fight https://t.co/DUPYl5V6vc @BusinessGreen @Ethical_Corp
— EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) February 11, 2016
What’s the Clean Power Plan?
A few months before the COP21, the White House set the first federal limits on carbon pollution through the Clean Power Plan. This stated that coal-fired power plant will have to reduce CO2 emissions from 32% until 2030 regarding 2005 CO2 emissions rate. This plan was a cornerstone of the US nation’s commitment to reduce overall emissions.
Little time for Obama
Although the court decision may only delay the Clean Power Plan, it casts an element of doubt over the future of the power plant rules when Obama leaves office. It is now a race against time for Obama to set up the climate struggle promises he made during the COP21.
We will keep following this case and hopefully this delay doesn’t mark the beginning of the end of the Clean Power Plan.
Léa Daulan, Environment Editor