2 words will decide the fate of a key air pollution rule
A seemingly divided Supreme Court weighed the Obama administration’s first-ever regulations aimed at reducing power plant emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants that contribute to respiratory illnesses, birth defects and developmental problems in children.
The rule, known as Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS), was the first federal limit on the amount of these types of toxic air pollutants.
The justices heard arguments Wednesday in a challenge brought by industry groups and Republican-led states arguing the EPA should have considered costs, which could reach $9.6 billion a year, when limiting emissions.
