Statement From ClimateWorks Foundation About U.S. Supreme Court Decision on West Virginia v. EPA

“Today’s ruling on West Virginia v. EPA is the latest in a series of radical SCOTUS decisions that will dramatically impact people’s lives. The ruling strongly limits some of the most effective tools the U.S. has to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This decision not only imperils the health and future prosperity of all Americans, but every individual on the planet. Moreover, it comes at a time when countries around the world, as well as business leaders and the finance sector, are moving in exactly the opposite direction – seizing opportunities to step up the transition to clean energy, transport and food systems to solve not only the climate crisis, but also address the current energy and food crises.

As the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions historically, the U.S. has a special responsibility to be a global leader in curbing climate change. The EPA’s success in curtailing air and water pollution has long been a bright spot for a country defined by its faltering action on climate. Since its enactment in 1970, the Clean Air Act has successfully demonstrated that cutting pollution, protecting public health, and supporting economic growth can go hand in hand. Recent polling has shown that over 70% of Americans support regulating carbon pollution.

Today the Supreme Court has sided with the coal companies and their allies, and against those suffering from the impacts of climate change. The EPA must now act decisively to do what it still can to curb climate pollution, as soon as possible, for the benefit of all Americans and the planet. And Congress needs to move forward urgently to approve clean energy and climate investments. We need – more than ever – to use every tool available to tackle the climate crisis, and we need every state, every business leader, every community and individual to step up and act together to limit warming to 1.5C and stop the onslaught of climate disasters.

At ClimateWorks, we will continue to work closely with philanthropists and partners worldwide to mobilize the power of philanthropy in helping drive climate action at the speed and scale necessary to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for people and the planet.”

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and accelerate climate solutions that scale. We equip philanthropy with the knowledge, networks, and solutions to drive climate progress. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $1.3 billion to more than 600 grantees in over 40 countries.