Rep. Hansen statement on the Supreme Court's decision to limit the authority of the EPA - Thursday, June 30, 2022

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued another 6-3 decision. This one limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon emissions from power plants. Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul), chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement:

“Extremist members of the Supreme Court just made it more difficult for our nation to combat climate change. If the federal government can’t regulate carbon emissions that are fueling the climate crisis, it will be challenging to reduce those emissions enough to prevent and reduce the effects of climate change. Weakening the Environmental Protection Agency at this critical moment, when we still have time to prevent climate change, is a bad idea. This radical ruling will negatively impact our entire country, but it’s particularly consequential for states like Minnesota, where the climate is changing rapidly and people are already facing repercussions.

“In this context, it’s more important than ever for states to step up and fight climate change. I will keep working hard to preserve Minnesota’s environment and natural resources and to make sure our state is a safe and healthy place for future generations.”