A New York State Supreme Court Judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by out-of-state organizations that sought to derail New York's landmark climate initiative.

The main group that filed the suit was founded by oil billionaire David Koch.State Supreme Court Judge Thomas J. McNamara on Wednesday dismissed the suit, orchestrated by climate skeptics Americans for Prosperity and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the case. The judge also declared that the organizations took took long to file their suit.

NYLCV applauds the judge's decision to protect the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which reduces climate-altering pollution from power plants. To date, RGGI is the nation's first enforceable effort for cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

NYLCV also stands with our partners in calling for New York State to now focus its attentions on strengthening RGGI to ensure that it reduces power plant pollution 20 percent below current levels.