U.S. Judge in Texas Strikes Down Biden Administration’s Climate Rule
By David Shepardson and Nate Raymond
Legal Battle Over Climate Rule
A U.S. judge in Texas has ruled against a climate rule introduced by the Biden administration that required states to set declining targets for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on the national highway system. Texas and 21 other states had sued the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in December, arguing that the agency did not have the legal authority to implement the rule.
Judge’s Decision
U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, appointed by former President Donald Trump, sided with Texas in its argument that the rule was unauthorized. The Department of Transportation has not yet responded to this decision.
Details of the Rule
The rule, issued by the DOT’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in December, required states to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. It also asked states to establish declining carbon dioxide targets and track progress towards meeting those targets.
Controversy and Criticism
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized the rule, vowing to fight against what he called “unlawful climate mandates.” A group of 21 states also filed a separate lawsuit challenging the regulation in Kentucky.
Historical Context
In 2018, the Trump administration had repealed a similar rule introduced by then-President Barack Obama, which required states to monitor greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on the nation’s highways.
