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Supreme Court makes major decision regarding EPA's new mandate on power plants — here's what it could mean for the future of energy

While the Supreme Court's decision allows this specific rule to move forward, it's part of a broader transition.

While the Supreme Court's decision allows this specific rule to move forward, it's part of a broader transition.

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The Supreme Court delivered promising news for Americans who want cleaner air and lower energy bills.

In October, the nation's highest court allowed a new federal rule targeting pollution from power plants to move forward despite challenges from 27 states and industry groups, according to the Guardian.

What's happening?

The Environmental Protection Agency's new rule requires coal and gas power plants to significantly reduce their air pollution over time. 

Power plants will need to capture and safely store carbon dioxide, which traps heat in our atmosphere, rather than releasing it into the air we breathe. This matters because these plants currently create a quarter of all climate-warming pollution in the United States.

The rule specifically requires coal plants operating after 2038 and certain new gas facilities to cut their pollution by 90% by 2032. While industry groups claimed this technology is still being prepared for widespread use, the EPA affirmed it's proven and feasible at the needed scale.

Why is this power plant rule important?

This decision opens the door for meaningful progress in cleaning up one of America's biggest sources of air pollution. Power plants don't just contribute to a warming planet. Their exhaust directly hurts the air quality in nearby communities, affecting people's health and well-being. By requiring these facilities to capture harmful gases, we're protecting both human health and community stability.

The rule builds on decades of successful clean air regulations that have made our air healthier to breathe while spurring innovation in the power sector. And as we've seen time and again, when power companies invest in cleaner technology, they often find ways to generate electricity more efficiently: savings that can be passed on to consumers.

What's being done about power plant pollution?

While the Supreme Court's decision allows this specific rule to move forward, it's part of a broader transition toward cleaner power generation that's already well underway. Many utility companies are investing heavily in renewable energy and modern grid technology, finding it increasingly cost-effective compared to older plants.

For everyday Americans, this ruling reinforces the benefits of electrifying our homes with modern, efficient appliances that run on increasingly clean electricity.

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