The Supreme Court dealt a major blow for clean energy companies by voting against mercury regulations as part of the Clean Air Act. “The Supreme Court ruled Monday the EPA has to factor in the costs of regulations aimed at curtailing mercury and other toxins from coal-burning power plants.

Shares of the iShares Global Clean Energy exchange traded fund (ICLN) fell 32 cents, or 2.8%, to $11.02 Monday following the decision. The Cleantech Everywhere portfolio of stocks created by Motif Investing is also down 2.8%. The High Court’s decision is just the latest blow to the clean energy industry – following the plummeting price of oil. Lower oil prices make clean energy less economically feasible while the lack of tough regulation against traditional power sources gives the industry less of an edge.” [USA Today]

A study released Monday in Nature Climate Change is drawing attention to another ice-related problem — one with potentially large-scale consequences. “According to the study, retreating sea ice could disrupt a major ocean circulation pattern and even affect climate patterns in Europe.

As it turns out, sea ice in the Greenland and Iceland seas is an important player in the workings of a powerful ocean current known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.” [The Washington Post]

Developers behind the nuclear power station in Somerset have said they are unconcerned over a legal challenge by the Austrian government. “The Austrians have said a deal by the UK government to guarantee the price of electricity from the nuclear plant breaches European rules on state aid.

The Austrian government has confirmed it will file a formal complaint in the next few days. Last October, the European Commission said the deal was within EU rules.” [BBC News]

Emissions photo courtesy of Shutterstock.