The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled largely in favor of President Barack Obama's greenhouse gas regulations. On a 7-2 vote, the justices rejected an industry-backed argument and ruled that most major pollution sources, including power plants and refineries, must show they are using the best technology available to reduce emissions of certain pollutants. The program requires new or modified major polluting facilities to obtain a permit before construction can begin on any facilities that will emit "any air pollutant." But industry could claim a partial victory because the court also ruled that smaller facilities could be exempted from the program. The Supreme Court decision does not affect the Obama administration's ability to set air pollution standards for greenhouse gases under a separate provision of the long-standing Clean Air Act. On June 2, the White House announced proposed rules calling for 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants, including coal-fired facilities.
-- Reuters
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