MADISON, WI (AP)-- The state of Wisconsin has joined a federal lawsuit challenging new limits on carbon emissions from power plants.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Wednesday granted the state's request filed last month to join 13 other states in the lawsuit brought last year by Murray Energy Corp., one of the nation's largest coal companies.
Governor Scott Walker, a supporter of the lawsuit, has said that the limits would be devastating for Wisconsin manufacturers.
The EPA wants Wisconsin to lower its emissions by 34 percent by 2030. Walker said in a letter to the EPA that could cost as much as $13 billion and raise electricity rates by 29 percent.
Conservationists say the EPA's plan represents the most important step yet in combating climate change.