MAINE PUBLIC • June 30, 2022
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday issued a ruling limiting the federal government’s authority to regulate the greenhouse gases that drive climate change. The decision was roundly criticized by Maine’s environmental community, state and federal officials and representatives of some Maine businesses. Jack Shapiro, who works on climate policy for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said limiting carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants upwind of Maine would have also had other benefits. Dave Reidmiller of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute climate center said the decision will shift more of the burden for tackling climate change to states like Maine. U.S. Sen. Angus King, U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey all issued statements opposing the ruling.