The environment may be one of the biggest winners from the recent procedural changes invoked by Senate Democrats.
According to The Hill, “President Obama’s second-term regulations on climate change — is likely to have a better shot at surviving legal challenges once Obama’s nominees are confirmed for the crucial U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.”
“Green groups suffered a major defeat at the circuit court last year when rules to cut soot-and smog-forming power plant emissions that cross state lines were shot down.”
“Advocates are hoping to avoid a similar defeat when the separate, upcoming carbon emissions standards face litigation at the court, which is a near certainty.”
In addition, “It may free Obama up to be more ambitious about putting forward folks that share [the administration’s] philosophy and be less fearful because of the 60-vote threshold.”