The Senate Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConneell of Kentucky has written to the National Governors Association urging them to take a “wait-and-see” approach to implementing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plant (CPP).

“Given the Supreme Court’s recent stay of the CPP and the painful lesson of MATS, “wait-and-see” remains the most responsible approach today,” Senator McConnell said.

Under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) utilities were forced to comply with regulation before legislation against it had run its course – resulting in the closure of many coal-fired power plants despite the Supreme Court eventually ruling against the regulation.

The regulation is currently being reviewed by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals but it likely to end up before the Supreme Court for a final decision.

“Moving forward, I hope that each of you will consider taking advantage of the relief granted by the Supreme Court and keep in mind that many of us in Congress stand ready to help you as you fight for the best interests of your states,” Senator McConnell concludes.

Edited by Jonathan Rowland.