Statement: HECHO expresses disappointment in West Virginia v. EPA decision

Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO), expresses its deep disappointment in this week's Supreme Court Decision to limit the regulatory powers of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce critical climate rules to hold polluters accountable.

The Supreme Court recently ruled in the West Virginia v. EPA case that Congress did not grant the EPA the ability to "broadly regulate greenhouse gas emissions sourced from power plants," a step in the wrong direction to protect Hispanic, Latino, and other frontline communities disproportionately affected by the impacts of coal-sourced power plants.

Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO said:

"This week's 6-3 ruling in West Virginia V. EPA, the most significant climate case to go before the court in a decade, is devastating to Hispanic and Latino communities. HECHO has been working tirelessly to hold polluters accountable and to address the toxic carbon emissions that are contributing to global climate change and adverse health impacts to workers and frontline communities. We ask Congress and the Administration to act quickly to pass pro-climate provisions included in the Build Back Better package to immediately fund and address critical climate projects that will help mitigate the impacts of this decision."

The court’s opinion today is the latest in a series of consequential decisions this term on abortion, immigration, and tribal sovereignty. This trend from the Court will have long reaching impacts in areas ranging from Tribal sovereignty, the right to privacy, and the ability of the federal government to regulate climate policy. Tribal and Hispanic communities will feel the impact of many of these decisions, and HECHO will continue to fight on their behalf.