Federal judge stops Biden admin's carbon cost executive order

The executive order "established a 'working group' of federal appointees to establish a damage value, or 'social cost,' based upon global environmental damages from climate changes," Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry's office said.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with private sector CEOs in the State Dining Room of the White House on January 26, 2022 in Washington, DC.
By Natalia Mittelstadt

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction on Friday against President Joe Biden's executive order to force a carbon cost on nearly every aspect of American life.

The executive order "established a 'working group' of federal appointees to establish a damage value, or 'social cost,' based upon global environmental damages from climate changes," according to the attorney general's office.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, who requested the preliminary injunction with the support of nine other states, said on Friday, "Biden's attempt to control the activities of the American people and the activities of every business from Main Street to Wall Street has been halted today.

"Biden's executive order was an attempt by the government to take over and tax the people based on winners and losers chosen by the government."

Landry added, "Agriculture, energy, and virtually every other manufacturing industry is at stake; and today, a federal judge in Louisiana recognized that the federal government does not have this reach.

"While our fight is far from over, I am pleased the Court granted preliminary relief against the President's unacceptable and unauthorized executive overreach; and I remain committed to seeing this case through to the end – fighting every step of the way for the workers and job creators in Louisiana and throughout our Republic."

Landry previously stated that the executive order would touch "every part of American life: the generators powering our homes, the dishwashers cleaning our tableware, the lawnmowers cutting our grass, the firewood keeping us warm, the livestock and produce feeding our families, and every breath we exhale."