Bush administration efforts to loosen regulations on older coal-burning power plants were dealt a setback today when the District Court of Appeals here blocked the changes from taking effect on Friday.

The court order, while only two pages in length, was a strong statement in one of the most contentious environmental and public health battles of the last several years — whether aging coal-fired power plants must install controls as they increase their pollution emissions.

The court order, issued by a three-judge panel, said that the plaintiffs had demonstrated "likelihood of success" and "irreparable harm" if the regulations were to take effect — a rebuke to the White House assertion that an overhaul of the Clean Air Act through regulatory reform would have environmental benefits.

The three judges in today's ruling — Harry Edwards, Judith Rogers, and David S. Tatel — were appointed by Democratic presidents but have regularly voted to uphold other administrative decisions made by the Bush administration. [Court Blocks Easing of E.P.A. Rules on Industrial Pollution 12/24/2003]

But don't relax too much - the administration is going to keep trying to continue their give-away to business. Write your Senator and HouseRepresentative let them know you had expected them to take care of this kindof issue - it's their job.