A Texas-Sized Smackdown

Texas Governor Rick Perry's attempt to reward industry by illegally expediting the permit process for a coal-fired power plant received appropriate treatment from Texas State District Judge Stephen Yelenosky. The Judge sided with the plaintiffs and granted a temporary injunction of the Governor's executive order.

ENS Link

State District Judge Stephen Yelenosky agreed and said he "concluded that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on their argument that the governor lacks that authority," the judge said.

In essence, the Governor was attempting to unilaterally rewrite existing law. Never mind that the process leading toward the permit was being gutted without any oversight.

And the Govenor's response?

"No one should be surprised that a single liberal Austin judge would rule against Governor Perry and his efforts to increase energy capacity in Texas," said Robert Black, spokesman for the governor. "We will take a close look at the ruling and make a determination on how we will proceed."

Damn that left wing conspiracy.