Washington — The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to block an environmental rule that aims to curb air pollution and address harmful smog that travels from certain states into others while legal proceedings continue.In a 5-4 decision, the court granted the request from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, as well as energy companies and industry groups, to pause the rule. Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the majority opinion.
determines a proposal doesn't do enough to reduce air pollution, it can reject it and implement a federal plan.The 's disapproval of their implementation plans, and federal appeals courts have preliminarily halted the disapproval for 12 of them while legal proceedings continue. The has warned that ozone pollution can cause respiratory issues, and long-term exposure can lead to asthma. Those most at risk are children whose lungs are still developing and the elderly. With a 6-3 conservative majority, the high court has been skeptical of federal regulatory power, particularly when it comes to environmental rules. The Supreme Court has ruled against the