The state of Illinois has joined a 24-state coalition in suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its decision to repeal the ‘endangerment finding,’ which provides the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Illinois officials and environmental groups fear this move could slow the state’s transition to clean energy by creating economic incentives for coal-fired power plants to remain open.
Why it matters
The repeal of the endangerment finding means the federal EPA will no longer regulate dangerous emissions from sources like power plants. This could create economic incentives for coal-fired plants to remain open, potentially slowing Illinois’ transition to cleaner energy sources and meeting its climate goals under the state’s Clean and Equitable Jobs Act.
The takeaway
This case highlights the tension between federal and state climate policies, as Illinois works to transition to clean energy in the face of a federal administration that is rolling back environmental regulations. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the state’s ability to meet its ambitious climate goals.