While the nation’s political realm reels from the sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the demise of the conservative icon could be good news for those concerned about climate change. Slate notesthat Scalia’s death came just days after the high court blocked the implementation of the Clean Power Plan. The plan is Obama’s centerpiece climate legislation.
The White House legislation would close twice as many coal-powered plants as previously planned. The stay is still in place. But Scalia’s death greatly boosts the eventual survival chances of the Clean Power Plan when it comes back for a vote.
The court currently sits at four liberals and four conservatives. A tie ruling would mean the law would revert back to the lower court’s ruling. The DC Circuit Court is expected to approve the law. That’s good news for the environment, but bad news for some energy companies.