Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge says the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to temporarily block President Barack Obama's plan to cut power plant emissions is good news.
Arkansas is one of 27 states suing to halt implementation of the Clean Power Plan. The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to block enforcement of the plan while the litigation is pending.
Rutledge, a Republican, said she believes the plan will be found to be unlawful and that the ruling ensures the states are not forced to comply with it while legal challenges are pending. In a written statement, Rutledge said:
The U.S. Supreme Court has given the people of Arkansas good news. By granting a stay of the Clean Power Plan, the Court has prevented an unlawful, out-of-touch plan drafted by bureaucrats in Washington from moving forward until the legal challenges are properly resolved. This helps ensure that Arkansas and other states are not forced to comply with a rule that will likely be found unlawful and will skyrocket energy rates. The law could not be clearer that the EPA does not have the legal authority to implement this regulation, and I am confident that as this case moves forward the Courts will recognize this fact and prevent its full implementation.
Arkansas Sierra Club director Glen Hooks said his group is disappointed with the ruling, but confident that the plan will ultimately be upheld as legal.
While we are disappointed that the Supreme Court temporarily stayed the Clean Power Plan, we are confident that this common-sense plan for cleaner air will ultimately be upheld. The Clean Power Plan is an important step in battling the effects of climate disruption, and can can also dramatically improve the health of Arkansans while boosting our state's economy. Hard-working Arkansas families deserve a clean energy future and the Sierra Club is committed to helping make that future a reality. For more than a year, a diverse group of Arkansas stakeholders has been working to figure out the best way to meet our Clean Power Plan goals. The Sierra Club urges our state leaders to continue this responsible planning process during this temporary stay. Let's continue working together for a healthier, cleaner, and more prosperous Arkansas.
