Raoul Sues EPA Over Rollback of Greenhouse Gas Rules

CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, challenging a new rule that weakens regulations on hydrofluorocarbons, chemicals commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration that are powerful greenhouse gases. The lawsuit argues the rule unlawfully delays deadlines for businesses to switch to refrigerants with a lower impact on climate change, weakening requirements established under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. Raoul said the rollback could increase greenhouse gas emissions, create uncertainty for businesses and lead to higher costs for consumers. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and includes attorneys general from 18 other states, the District of Columbia and the City of New York.