Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency will be the first Supreme Court ruling on global warming. According to the New York Times:

“If ever there was a case that warranted Supreme Court review this is it,” says Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly, whose state is one of 12 involved in the lawsuit. The court will address whether the administration’s decision to rely on voluntary measures to combat climate change are legal under federal clean air laws.

Continue reading for how this affects PA

“This is the whole ball of wax. This will determine whether the EPA is to regulate greenhouse gases from cars and… power plants,” said David Bookbinder, an attorney for the Sierra Club. Bookbinder said if the court upholds the administration’s argument it also could jeopardize plans by California and 10 other states, including most of the Northeast, to require reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles.

In case you haven’t heard, PA is currently in a debate about adopting such regulation under the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Vehicles program. Due to pressure from the auto lobby, there are currently bills pending in the state house that would essentially prevent the DEP from enforcing the regulation.

However, if the Supreme Court Finds that the EPA must regulate Carbon Dioxide and other gasses, it would be a great victory for all. I’m sure everyone will be watching this very closely.