The Supreme Court has declined to block a Biden administration rule designed to prevent toxic waste from closed coal plants from contaminating nearby groundwater. The court rejected an emergency request from the East Kentucky Power Cooperative to halt the rule while litigation continues. The rule requires coal plants closed before 2015 to take measures to prevent coal ash, a byproduct containing hazardous substances like mercury and arsenic, from leaking into storage ponds.

In another case, the Court declined to correct a ruling by Hawaii’s Supreme Court that conflicted with Second Amendment interpretations. The Hawaii court ruled there is no state constitutional right to carry firearms in public. Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch criticized the decision but stated they could not take action at this time, citing jurisdiction issues in the case. They indicated the issue could be revisited if the case progresses.

The Court also rejected a challenge to a federal law banning gun possession for individuals with domestic violence restraining orders, ruling it consistent with the Second Amendment. Chief Justice Roberts emphasized that such laws have historical precedent.