Members of the Georgia Public Service Commission are applauding Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that temporarily halts the implementation of the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan.  The Court ruled 5-4 to stop enforcement of the Plan until legal challenges are resolved. Arguments in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals are scheduled to begin on June 2, 2016.
 
“I am very pleased that the nation’s highest court has temporarily stopped this burdensome, over-reaching regulation,” said Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton, R-Atlanta. “If fully implemented, this rule will increase electric rates and drive up the costs of doing business without substantially decreasing the effects of climate change,” Eaton added.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency issued the final rule in August 2015 but 27 states including Georgia have joined in legal challenges.
 
“The Court has demonstrated common sense which the EPA and this Administration lack. The path the EPA tried to take would be devastating and expensive to the consumers of Georgia who have invested millions toward clean energy generation over the years,” said Commission Vice-chairman Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, R-Clarkesville. “The court of the people of New Hampshire also handed this Administration its second defeat of the day,” McDonald added.
 
“I am extremely pleased that that Court has temporarily halted enforcement of this onerous rule while legal challenges are ongoing,” said Commissioner Stan Wise, R-Marietta. “The rule is a federal overreach and tramples over the careful planning which has achieved competitive and reliable electricity in our state. This rule may significantly limit fuel diversity and increase the cost of electric power in Georgia and nationwide,” Wise added.
 
"The Supreme Court's stay of the infamous EPA rule is significant for our state and others who are grappling with compliance," said Commissioner Tim Echols, R-Bogart.  "Now we have some breathing room and a strong signal from the Court that this entire plan could be struck down in totality," Echols added.
 
“This is a great opportunity to straighten out this problem created by the Obama Administration in trying to raise electricity rates and drive out the coal industry,” said Commissioner Doug Everett, R-Albany. “