West Virginia vs. EPA plays out in eight hour court hearing

A bipartisan group of lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill moments after arguments wrapped up in the U.S. Federal Appeals Court.

Ten judges heard eight hours-worth of arguments in West Virginia versus the Environmental Protection Agency.

"This is an issue that cuts across traditional demographic lines and I feel optimistic that we have a good chance of prevailing," said State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

Morrisey is leading 26 other state attorneys general- in suing the EPA over its Clean Power Plan.

The plan, backed by President Obama, sets specific targets for each state in an effort to reduce power plant emissions.

Morrisey believes the deal will devastate the coal industry.

"I think there was a lot of skepticism with respect to the EPA's effort to really force coal operators, the owners and operators of coal mines to cross subsidize other forms of energy," he said.

Some protesters had different opinions.

"He does not represent me, he does not represent most West Virginians," said Mary Wildfire, from Spencer.

Wildfire joined dozens of other climate activists to show their support for the Clean Power Plan.

She says West Virginia needs to let go of coal production and make the move toward renewable energy.

"We will be affected by climate change just like the rest of the country and it is time for West Virginia to fight for clean jobs like people in other states have," she said.

The Obama administration is confident in the case its lawyers made in court.

A decision isn't expected for another few months, which means President Obama may not see the result before the end of his presidency.

The implementation of the Clean Power Plan is on hold while the appeals process plays out in court.