FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2022
CONTACT
Logan Elizabeth Padgett
lpadgett@jamesmadison.org
850-386-3131
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The James Madison Institute commends the Supreme Court on the recent 6-3 ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In 2015, the Obama administration unconstitutionally sought to expand its authority in issuing the Clean Power Plan. While the Clean Power Plan was jettisoned when the Trump administration assumed office, this ruling provides a necessary shield for any future attempts to thwart the separation of powers.
This ruling places power back into congressional hands instead of federal agencies when implementing future environmental legislation. American citizens vote for legislators, not heads of federal agencies. Thankfully, two-thirds of our Supreme Court justices recognize this wisdom.
“With today’s ruling in West Virginia v. EPA, as with other rulings this term, the Supreme Court has begun to turn the tide on forces that seek to undermine our founding principles. These principles made the United States the greatest experiment ever in self-rule and envy of the rest of the world. Almost 250 years ago, we were founded on the idea that a group of independent states can unite around a governing body with limited powers that protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That notion has led to the greatest era of human prosperity and flourishing in human history. With concepts like laboratories of democracy, enumerated powers, federalism, and a belief in individual rights articulated in writing, the United States became the envy of the globe and a beacon for millions seeking freedom. Our Supreme Court thankfully understands its role in this journey” – Sal Nuzzo, JMI’s Vice President of Policy and Director of The Center For Economic Prosperity
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The James Madison Institute is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the ideals of limited government, economic freedom, federalism and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. The institute conducts research on such issues as criminal justice, healthcare, taxes and regulatory environments.
