Red states hoped for a climate rule delay. They got a deadline instead.

By Jean Chemnick | 10/18/2024 06:16 AM EDT

The Supreme Court decision on EPA’s power plant regulation is pushing states to prepare for the landmark rule, whether they like it or not.

The Marshall Steam Station coal power plant operates near Mooresville, North Carolina.

The Marshall Steam Station coal power plant operates near Mooresville, North Carolina, in March. Chris Carlson/AP

The Supreme Court ruling that allowed EPA to proceed with its power plant climate rule means the clock is ticking for states and utilities.

The high court on Wednesday rejected a request by Republican attorneys general and fossil fuel groups to suspend the carbon standards for new gas plants and existing coal-fired facilities as litigation over the rule continues.

That means states and utilities won’t get a reprieve from the rule’s deadlines.

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“The rule is in effect, and so if you’re a utility or a state you should be planning that this rule is in effect,” said Frank Sturges, an attorney with Clean Air Task Force.

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