Supreme Court Rules in Utah’s Favor on Clean Air Regulations
WASHINGTON — In a landmark decision on Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Utah regarding a dispute over clean air regulations, a move hailed by Utah’s officials as a victory for local governance. The case originated from a 2015 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) change that mandated stricter ground-level ozone standards, requiring states to submit compliance plans under the Clean Air Act’s "good neighbor" provisions.
Utah and Oklahoma contested the EPA’s directive, asserting that they should not be obligated to propose new emission reduction measures. The Supreme Court’s 8-0 ruling did not directly address the air quality standards but clarified that such challenges should be adjudicated in regional courts rather than the D.C. Circuit. This decision allows Utah’s case to be heard in the 10th Circuit Court, which covers federal appeals from both Utah and Oklahoma.
Utah’s Attorney General Derek Brown emphasized the significance of local courts handling local issues and credited the ruling as enabling greater collaboration between state and federal authorities. The decision also promises to expedite future litigation on similar regulations, reflecting the court’s stance on cooperative federalism in environmental policies. The EPA is currently reconsidering the disputed provisions, potentially easing the path for Utah’s compliance plan.
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