Officials in 24 states have urged U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to put an end for the centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s strategy to combat climate change and shut down coal-fired power plants.
The coalition requested the incoming Republican government undo the Clean Power Plan enacted by the current Democratic administration. The law was set to lower carbon emissions mainly from coal-fired power plants by 2030 to 32 percent below 2005 levels.
The Supreme Court has ordered a delay in implementation until legal challenges to the regulation are completed.
“The order (to withdraw the plan) should explain that it is the administration’s view that the (Clean Power Plan) is unlawful and that EPA lacks authority to enforce it. The executive order is necessary to send an immediate and strong message to States and regulated entities that the administration will not enforce the rule,” according to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.
Trump has promised to revive oil and gas drilling and coal mining by cutting back on federal regulations.