An Expansion of Implied Powers?

http://www.voanews.com/content/us-supreme-court-considers-environment-presidential-power/1858384.html

Jim Malone's February 24th article on Voice of America introduces readers to an ongoing Supreme Court battle to determine the extent of the president's power regarding the environment. While environmentally centered bills float in and out of congress almost continuously, the bills rarely have any success. This is partially due to the polarized nature of politicians: the democrats generally are all for new regulations and higher standards, and the republicans see this as a hinderance upon free enterprise and a great unnecessary burden on corporations. But some have argued that this is not within the government's power, and certainly not a power to be held by one man. Those concerned don't have a huge problem with Obama himself having this power, it's down the road that they are worried about.

I believe that they have a very valid argument. No one knows what the issues will be regarding the environment in 50 years, conceding this power solely to the executive branch could be a very slippery slope, especially when considering how fast technology seems to be moving these days. Clearly something needs to be done regarding pollution, but I do not think this is the answer. The Republican party needs to get its act together, not just thinking about major corporations, but the health and safety of Americans, and compromise on some of these bills before the president has a good argument to get himself a large chunk of power.

A decision from the Supreme Court is expected to be released at some point in June, but currently the Court seems very divided.