美国联邦最高法院于2007年4月就"马萨诸塞州等诉环保局"案作出判决后,在美国国内产生广泛影响。在美国十多个州的推动下,美国联邦最高法院对该案的判决不仅进一步完善了环境法中的"起诉资格"理论,而且判决将推动美国环境保护局在控制全球变暖、减排温室气体特别是机动车排放上有所作为。联邦最高法院的这一判决也将对美国未来的环境和能源立法与政策产生巨大影响。

On April 2,2007 the U.S Supreme Court released its ruling in the case of the State of Massachusetts et al vs.the Environmental Protection Agency et al.Massachusetts and eleven other states,along with several local governments and non-governmental organizations(petitioners),sued the EPA for not regulating the emissions of four greenhouse gases from the transportation sector.The court ruled in favor of Massachusetts et al,finding that EPA has the authority to regulate CO2 and other greenhouse gases.The decision also improved the doctrine of "standing",and will gave great impact on the legislation and policy concerning environment and energy of the U.S.