Today, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution under the Congressional Review Act, S.J. Res. 24 sponsored by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), seeking to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan.

The recently finalized Clean Power Plan is the single biggest step the United States has ever taken on climate change and would rein in carbon pollution from its largest source—existing coal-fired power plants. The Senate's vote seeks to repeal the landmark rule and block any substantially similar rule from going forward without a future act of Congress. A Statement of Administration Policy was issued opposing this resolution and saying the President would veto it.

Earthjustice worked to secure the Clean Power Plan, and is currently defending it in court.

In opposing this vote, we are issuing the following statement from our President Trip Van Noppen:

“As the impacts of climate change become more apparent with each passing week, you’d think the U.S. Senate would spend its time trying to curb carbon pollution rather than trying to make the problem worse by seeking to block real progress by the President.

“World leaders remain resolved to address climate change in Paris in two weeks—in sharp contrast to today’s Senate action.

“Fortunately, the President has made it clear that a veto awaits this resolution and others like it.”