Supreme Court's EPA ruling a 'disappointment' to local leaders

Jennifer LeDuc, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·2 min read

Jul. 1—In response to Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, the city and counties of Boulder and Broomfield released a joint statement expressing "disappointment" in the decision that "negatively hurts communities across Colorado and the nation."

"In removing the EPA's ability to regulate carbon pollution, the court has hampered the federal government's ability to mitigate the already catastrophic human and financial costs of climate change. The decision carries far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy and the American public," the statement read.

Jacob Smith, executive director of the Colorado Communities for Climate Action, a coalition of 39 local governments across the state advocating for stronger climate and environmental policies, explained the ruling, which limits an agency's ability to address an issue unless authorized first by Congress, puts more of a burden on state and local governments to address climate issues. While Colorado has made strides at the state and local levels, Smith said the ruling means addressing pollution and climate change will be more costly for taxpayers.

"One of the challenges with climate change is that the impacts aren't limited to where the pollution occurs," said Smith. "Pollution doesn't stay in one place and local governments across the state are experiencing it now. The source of pollution is so spread out a single response isn't enough."

Both Boulder and Broomfield mayors spoke out against the Supreme Court's ruling.

"The City of Boulder is deeply disappointed by this ruling," Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett said in the statement. "This is no doubt a setback for our climate, but it will not deter the city from continuing to advocate on all fronts — local, state and federal — for policies that will stabilize our climate and protect our communities. While we've made great progress at the local and state level, a strong federal response to the climate crisis is desperately needed — not just for our residents, but for the entire planet."

Broomfield Mayor Guyleen Castriottacalled the court's decision "disheartening."

"This is another major step backward for the nation and world in the midst of realizing the devastating effects of global warming," she said. "The fight will continue in earnest to drive policies that are consistent with the science."