Court: EPA Overstepped Authority

(Washington, D.C.)

A federal appeals court in Washington has overturned an Obama administration rule that requires aging power plants in Texas and several Midwestern states to sharply reduce emissions that contribute to unhealthy air in neighboring states.

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency overstepped its authority with the new regulation, which was one of the hallmarks of the federal government's recent efforts to improve air quality.

The decision keeps in effect an earlier version of the rule that is weaker but still requires cuts in air pollution that crosses state borders.

Okay.