Opposition Mounting To Obama’s Emission-Cutting Initative

Opponents are already vowing to sue the government, in order to block new environmental rules from taking effect.

The plan unveiled by President Barack Obama Monday is aimed at dramatically cutting emissions from U.S. power plants.

Obama warned that if nothing is done about climate change, it will threaten future generations. And he said the carbon dioxide limits are the biggest step the country has ever taken against global warming.

West Virginia's attorney general says the administration is on ``very, very shaky'' legal ground.

Some states with Republican governors have said they simply won't comply with the rules.

In Massachusetts fellow Democrats are hailing the President's initiative.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey on Monday joined other state attorneys general and local governments pledging to defend the new rules in court.

Sen. Edward Markey called the plan ambitious and achievable, saying it could help avoid the worse consequences of climate change. Rep. Niki Tsongas also said the mandate could protect future generations.

Environmental activists like the Sierra Club, the Conservation Law Foundation, and Environment Massachusetts also praised the plan, calling it good for business and the environment and saying it will help encourage solar and wind energy.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, vowed to use legislation to block the plan. (Associated Press)