Whenever we make the slightest bit of progress to benefit the American people, you can bet that the Fascist Five Republican Injustices of SCROTUS (Republican Constitutional VD) will step in to protect corporate crime and 0.1% profit. In this case they are blocking implementation of the Clean Power Plan, a small, necessary step to reduce the effects if global climate change.
The Supreme Court’s extraordinary decision on Tuesday to temporarily block the Obama administration’s effort to combat global warming by regulating emissions from power plants was deeply disturbing on two fronts.
It raised serious questions about America’s ability to deliver on Mr. Obama’s pledge in Paris in December to sharply reduce carbon emissions, and, inevitably, about its willingness to take a leadership role on the issue.
And with all the Republican-appointed justices lining up in a 5-to-4 vote to halt the regulation before a federal appeals court could rule on it, the court also reinforced the belief among many Americans that the court is knee-deep in the partisan politics it claims to stand above. While the court’s action was not a ruling on the merits of the case, it will delay efforts to comply with the regulation and sends an ominous signal that Mr. Obama’s initiative, known as the Clean Power Plan, could ultimately be overturned.
The Clean Power Plan, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency last August, requires states to make major cuts in greenhouse gas emissions from their electricity producers, which chiefly use older coal-fired power plants, over the next few years. These plants produce more carbon emissions than any other source, and cutting them is the backbone of Mr. Obama’s larger goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions over all by at least 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.
The rule is based on the Clean Air Act — which, as the court has already made clear in multiple cases, gives the federal government broad authority to regulate a range of pollutants, including carbon emissions from power plants. Mr. Obama is using that authority here. And while the plan sets out aggressive state-by-state goals, it is carefully designed to give states the time and flexibility to meet them. It’s inevitable that some, perhaps many, older coal-fired plants will close; but states can also convert to cleaner-burning natural gas, build renewable-energy sources, like wind and solar, or enter into regional “cap and trade” programs that allow them to buy and sell permits to pollute… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
Just to reiterate, The Supreme Court has already made it clear that the Executive branch does have the authority to regulate carbon emissions from power plants. SCROTUS will have to overturn their own overwhelming precedent to defeat the measure long term. Instead, I think this is a temporary measure designed to sabotage Obama’s foreign policy and to undermine the Paris Climate Accord. I hope our international partners will take a wait and see attitude and not abandon the Accord over this.
19 Responses to “SCROTUS Is TEAbuggering Our Environment”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Yes, it is purely a delaying tactic. But even if it doesn't succeed for long, it could delay us all into Kingdom Come. And if a Republican is elected President in 2016 ….
Stay focused on turnout, my friends.
"And if a Republican is elected in 2016…." Okay, Joanne, now you might have to cleanse your keypad with bleach, me too, after wrriting that! LOL.
George alomost got filled again!
Why the surprise?? Dims actively assisted in putting these people on the bench.
Very few did.
Was it not enough to make the difference for approval?
It was enoigh for Roberts, but not for Scalito. Remember, though, Senate tradotion for decades hsd been to give POTUS his appointments, with rare exceptions, like Bork. That changed only after Obama took office. And Roberts lied during his comfirmation hearing. He promised to respect starre decisis.
Two for Alito
22 for Roberts
It's a 5-4 decision on a temporary measure from SCOTUS, what more do Americans need to see how politicized (read Republican, read 1%) the SCOTUS has become? Do they really need to lift up the robes on the 5 pro-voters to see the arms of the fossil fuel industry go up their asses and make these "justices" do their bidding? And you bet, I'm livid!
Do these people have any idea how much damage they are doing to whatever was left of America's reputation in the world? Not only in terms of the Paris Climate Accord and the consequences it undoubtedly will have for the world and all that lives and breathes on it, but also in terms of "the most untrustworthy negotiator" in any important negotiation. America's word or promise isn't worth the paper it's written on and meanwhile things are building up to another big war on the borders between Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
The shortsightedness of this kangaroo court is bewildering, its inability to oversee the consequences of its "temporary measure" over time and beyond American borders is astounding, and its insult to kangaroos is infuriating.
Very well said!
SCROTUS attacks a plan to make the planet a more hospitable place for humans to live!?!? How can they still claim to be apolitical? That they don't vote their choices by how the RepukkklicanTs want them to vote??? Such a SCAM!!! We need a new SCOTUS!!! Clean out all that vote with politics and corporations telling them how to vote!!!
as always the picture in the robes is fantastic
Yes, as Lona points out, their short sightedness is phenomenal! Their inability to rise above partisan politics, and I call it that because I can not believe, with the exception of Thomas, that they can be so dumb as to not know the difference, between politics and their ethical responsibility, is, likewise, phenomenal!
I have no doubt that they, except for TEABAG Thomas, DO know the difference.
The silver lining is that it expedites the district court's action on the merits of the case permitting the issue to become settled and for SCOTUS to refuse to hear an appeal.
They really made the Coal industry happy with this decision, but that is probably the point in it.
How pathetically sad – do the SCOTUS not have children and grandchildren? Do they not have to breathe?
Look for guarded, gated communities in bubbles.
Thanks all!! Hugs!!