What Would Happen If…?

Abstract

In this paper, I will discuss the implications of a hypothetical case that would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to first, regulate greenhouse gasses, and second, interpret 42 U.S. Code § 7411 to call for a constant decrease of greenhouse gas emissions and require the shutdown of all coal-fired plants in the United States. I will also discuss opinions on the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law on August 16, 2022, and could pave the way for a hypothetical such as this to become a reality