Obama's Clean-Power Plan Put on Hold by U.S. Supreme Court

  • New emissions rule is being challenged by utilities, states
  • Program designed to cut carbon pollution from power plants

The U.S. Supreme Court is seen on Aug. 1, 2015, in Washington.

Photographer: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images
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A divided U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Barack Obama’s sweeping plan to cut emissions from power plants, putting on hold his most ambitious effort to combat climate change.

The 5-4 order Tuesday halts the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan until at least the final months of Obama’s presidency -- and casts doubt on its ultimate fate before the nation’s highest court by suggesting concern among a majority of the justices.