Charleston, WV (AP)- The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appears skeptical of the federal government’s argument that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should continue enforcing its anti-air-pollution rule in 11 states.
The government made its arguments before the court on Wednesday.
The “good neighbor” rule is intended to restrict smokestack emissions from power plants and other industrial sources that burden downwind areas with smog-causing pollution.
West Virginia is one of three energy-producing states challenging the rule, along with the steel industry and other groups.
They called it costly and ineffective.
The rule is on hold in a dozen states because of unrelated legal challenges.
Supporters said the rule protects downwind states from receiving unwanted pollution.