The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s effort to reduce emissions of dangerous chemicals from power plants nationwide. The EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule sharply limits emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide at plants in 28 states. The EPA has estimated the rules could save up to 34,000 lives per year and result in tens of billions of dollars in health benefits. But after a major push by utilities and corporate groups, an appeals court ruled in 2012 the regulations exceed the EPA’s authority. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court overruled the lower court in a six-to-two decision. In a statement, the Natural Resources Defense Council praised the ruling, saying: “The EPA safeguards follow the simple principle that giant utility companies shouldn’t be allowed to dump their dirty emissions onto residents of downwind states.”