WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joined by fifteen other trade associations, filed a motion asking the U.S. Supreme Court for a stay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) carbon regulations for the electricity sector while the regulations are under review by the courts. The Chamber’s stay motion follows on the heels of a motion filed yesterday by a coalition of states and state officials representing 26 states asking the Supreme Court to stay the rule during the period of judicial review. A coalition representing the utility sector also filed a supporting motion for stay.

In its stay motion, the Chamber argues that the EPA’s rule harms local businesses and their communities, and asks the Supreme Court to grant a stay to allow legal review to conclude before the EPA’s unprecedented rule can cause more harm to the business community. Indeed, EPA itself predicts that the rule will force the retirement of many power plants this year alone.

“The impact of this rule on the economy cannot be overstated,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.  “The rule causes many businesses in the electricity sector and beyond to radically restructure or even close their doors, setting off a domino effect in local communities across the country. And while this happens, Americans will see their electricity bills increase as reliable power sources are forced to retire. Given the unprecedented nature of the rule and the gravity of these harms to businesses and consumers alike, a stay from our nation’s highest court is justified.”

The Chamber is joined in its stay motion by the National Association of Manufacturers, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business, American Chemistry Council, American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute, American Foundry Society, American Forest and Paper Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Wood Council, Brick Industry Association, Electricity Consumers Resource Council, Lignite Energy Council, National Lime Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, and Portland Cement Association.

You can read the motion here.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.