In a significant legal challenge to the Biden administration's environmental policies, twenty-one states led by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron have filed a joint complaint against a new rule mandating emission standards for states. The rule, issued by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), requires states to establish goals for reducing CO2 emissions and report their progress to the federal government. However, the Republican attorneys general argue that the rule is unconstitutional and would disproportionately impact rural areas where extensive driving is necessary.

Claiming that President Biden is attempting to push his climate agenda without proper congressional authority, Attorney General Cameron stated, "We will not stand by while this administration attempts to circumvent the legislative process." The rule, set to take effect on January 8, requires state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to set declining carbon dioxide targets and report on their progress, without explicitly mandating specific target levels.

The joint complaint was filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, with the involvement of attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The complaint argues that neither the FHWA nor the Department of Transportation has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and they cannot mandate states to administer federal regulatory programs or enforce executive policy without proper legal authorization. The lawsuit specifically challenges President Joe Biden, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FHWA, and FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt, asserting that the rule violates the principles of federalism and is unconstitutional.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen emphasized that the rule is part of the Biden administration's broader effort to impose a radical green agenda on the American people. "This rule is another unlawful and overreaching regulation by the Biden Administration to force the President's radical green agenda onto Americans regardless of the costs," Knudsen stated. He expressed concern that the one-size-fits-all approach may suit Washington, DC bureaucrats, but it fails to consider the unique circumstances of states like Montana.

The legal challenge comes amidst ongoing debates over environmental policies and the balance between federal and state powers. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the Biden administration's environmental initiatives. As the January 8 deadline approaches, the courts will determine whether the rule on emission standards will be upheld or struck down, shaping the trajectory of environmental policies in the United States.