A group of Republican-led states is asking the Supreme Court to stop the Biden administration’s plan to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.
Attorneys general from 23 states, along with Arizona’s GOP-led Legislature, are requesting the Supreme Court to block an Environmental Protection Agency EPA rule. This rule requires oil and gas wells to prevent leaks of methane, a gas that contributes to global warming.
This appeal comes after a lower court refused to block the rule. It is the latest effort by Republican-led states to challenge environmental and climate regulations in the Supreme Court.
The states argue that the EPA has exceeded its authority with this rule. While the federal government can set emissions limits, the states believe the rule is too strict in dictating how they should reduce methane emissions.
The EPA did not comment on the appeal. However, when the rule was announced last year, the agency said it would have significant climate benefits and reduce the release of harmful substances.
Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 100 years. It is the primary component of natural gas and is released during its production.
The states challenging the rule include Oklahoma, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the Arizona Legislature.