Recent SCOTUS Emissions Ruling

July 1, 2022

The American Physical Society (APS) is troubled by the impact that the recent US Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia vs. Environmental Protection Agency could have on the United States’ ability to address climate change. The recent ruling limits the Executive Branch’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, complicating the pathway to meeting the stated goals in the Paris Climate Accords and affecting other national policies. It likely will hinder the Executive Branch as it works with industries, communities and society more broadly to reduce GHG emissions.

Addressing climate change remains a top priority for APS. The Society recently released a joint report with Optica focused on monitoring and reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. APS is currently working with federal policymakers and their staff to implement this report’s policy recommendations and will consider other actions it could take to combat climate change.

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