Texas has lost its bid to block the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, reports The Texas Tribune. A federal appeals court has denied the Lone Star State’s request to put a stay on the environmental emissions legislation. The judge’s ruling leaves the controversial climate change rules in place as a legal challenge continues to make its way through the courts.
The two-page order was an early victory for Obama and those who support the effort to combat climate change. The Clean Power Plan is a state-by-state effort to slash carbon emissions from power plants. The legislation works by shifting power from coal-fired plants to natural gas and renewable sources.
Texas and West Virginia lead a 27-state coalition to challenge the plan. The states insist that the CPP would push electricity costs too high and threaten reliability. Texas leaders have refused to confirm whether they will create a carbon-cutting plan for the state.