Top Supreme Court Environmental Cases to Watch in 2025: What They Mean for Our Planet

As Donald Trump prepares for a potential return to the White House, the Supreme Court is gearing up to tackle some critical environmental issues. These upcoming decisions could significantly shape the president-elect’s agenda.

In the next few months, the justices may limit the environmental factors that federal agencies consider when approving projects. They might also require the EPA to clarify its water permitting standards and restrict Congress’s ability to delegate authority to executive agencies.

“The conservative majority on the Supreme Court seems to be reducing executive power,” said Holly Doremus, a law professor at UC Berkeley. During a discussion at the Environmental Law Institute, she noted that while this might seem to enhance congressional power, it could actually strengthen the courts instead.

This change was evident last year when the court made rulings that hampered agencies like the EPA in enforcing environmental regulations. This trend appears favorable for the Trump administration, which is pushing for fewer regulatory controls.

However, reducing executive power might complicate Trump’s efforts to eliminate unwanted regulations. Major environmental cases are still advancing through lower courts, including challenges to the EPA’s attempts to reduce carbon emissions and define National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules.

Other significant cases are waiting to be added to the Supreme Court’s schedule. Recently, the court declined to hear a case involving fossil fuel companies’ attempts to prevent local governments from suing for climate damages. Yet, this issue is likely to resurface.

“These cases aren’t just about climate change,” said Donald Kochan, a law professor at George Mason University. “They address the separation of powers and the balance between federal and state authority.”

Here’s a summary of key environmental issues the Supreme Court will consider in the coming months:

Reining in NEPA

The justices may restrict the environmental reviews for federally approved projects, such as pipelines. During a December case, many justices seemed unconvinced that regulators could ignore broader impacts that aren’t directly related to a project.

Changing Rulemaking Procedures

The Court may also revise how federal agencies create regulations. They are reviewing cases that could revive the nondelegation doctrine, which limits Congress’s ability to transfer too much power to agencies like the EPA.

Permitting Questions

Upcoming decisions will clarify agencies’ authority over water permitting and nuclear waste storage. The court will rule whether the EPA needs to provide more specifics on compliance with the Clean Water Act in a case involving San Francisco. They will also hear arguments regarding a private company’s nuclear waste storage approval in Texas.

Legal Standing to Sue

The justices will decide whether companies and states can challenge California’s stricter tailpipe emissions standards. This case could impact who has the right to bring environmental lawsuits, potentially limiting access to the courts.

The Trump Administration’s Influence

Though many cases predate Trump’s expected return, his administration could influence ongoing battles over Clean Air Act lawsuits. There might be shifts in how these cases are handled, especially in more sympathetic regional courts.