Impact of Recent Supreme Court Rulings on Climate Regulations

In a recent article, NPR examines the impact of judicial appointments on climate policy in the United States, highlighting the contrasting approaches of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Both administrations’ significant environmental regulations—the Obama-era Clean Power Plan and the Trump-era Affordable Clean Energy Rule—were stymied by legal challenges, reflecting the contentious nature of environmental law.
Key points include:

1. Judicial Influence: The article underscores how federal judges, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, play a critical role in shaping climate policy through their interpretations of environmental laws.
2. Supreme Court’s Role: Recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly the rejection of the "Chevron deference" which allowed federal agencies like the EPA to interpret ambiguous statutes, have further limited the power of these agencies to regulate environmental issues.
3. Judicial Appointments: Trump’s term saw the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, creating a conservative majority, and 234 other federal judges. Biden, in contrast, has appointed 201 judges, focusing on diversity, with many being non-white and women.
4. Future Implications: The article suggests that the judicial appointments made by the next president could have long-lasting impacts on the ability of federal agencies to address climate change and other environmental issues. The Supreme Court’s recent rulings make it clear that significant progress on these fronts may be hindered without new legislation from Congress.
5. Expert Opinions: Legal experts argue that the Supreme Court’s conservative shift poses challenges for environmental regulation, emphasizing the need for legislative action to address emerging environmental problems effectively.
   The article concludes that the judicial landscape will be a crucial factor in the U.S. government’s ability to implement effective climate policies, making the upcoming presidential election pivotal for the future of environmental regulation.