Supreme Court rejects constitutional claim in California pollution case

The Supreme Court dismissed a red-state challenge to California’s special authority to fight air pollution, closing the door on a constitutional challenge. The oil and gas industry is suing over the state’s “zero emissions” goals for new vehicles, arguing that California’s authority does not extend to greenhouse gases. The justices agreed to reconsider the ruling to allow the suit to proceed. The incoming Trump administration is likely to support the challengers. California’s Attorney General and the U.S. Solicitor General urged the court to reject both appeals, arguing that Congress has the authority to set special rules for different states. Ohio and red states claimed that California’s special authority violates core constitutional principles. Without comment, the justices declined to hear the constitutional claim. The Environmental Defense Fund praised the court’s decision, stating that California’s clean car standards have helped reduce pollution and promote clean technologies. The court’s rulings have implications for the ongoing battle between states and the federal government over environmental regulations.

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