Today’s Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency is a step backward in protecting the environment and public health. The ruling limits the federal government’s ability to use the Clean Air Act to drive reductions in global warming pollution. It prioritizes political considerations over scientific expertise in setting environmental regulations.
This decision could not have come at a worse time. Scientists have been clear that deep cuts in global warming pollution must happen between now and 2030 to avert the most destructive impacts of climate change. We cannot afford to pull back on these efforts.
Despite this ruling, progress is still possible. In addition to continued federal action, states themselves can establish clean energy policies — and together, states’ actions can add up to effective solutions to global warming. Innovative policies in all the states where the Joyce Foundation works to advance climate solutions – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin – have cut carbon emissions, created thousands of jobs, and make our air healthier to breathe. And a commitment to racial and economic equity is at the center of many of these policies, including the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act adopted in Illinois last year.
Just last week, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved Consumers Energy’s plan to stop burning coal to generate electricity by 2025, while increasing investments in clean energy. This important win for climate action was the result of years of work by public interest advocates, dedicated public servants, and forward-looking private sector leaders.
Joyce remains committed to supporting the development and adoption of effective, equitable clean energy policies in the states in our region. And we stand alongside those working to ensure US EPA and other federal agencies have the ability to set strong environmental regulations rooted in science.
About The Joyce Foundation
Joyce is a nonpartisan, private foundation that invests in evidence-informed public policies and strategies to advance racial equity and economic mobility for the next generation in the Great Lakes region.