The US Court of Appeals has rejected a bid to block Obama’s plan to control global warming pollution.

A total of 24 states led by West Virginia asked the court to hold the government’s Clean Power Plan.

It aims to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by 32% in the next 15 years.

According to the court “petitioners have not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending court review”.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said: “We are pleased that the court has rejected petitioners’ attempts to block the Clean Power Plan from moving forward while litigation proceeds.

“We are confident that the plan will reduce carbon pollution and deliver better air quality, improved public health and jobs across the country. We look forward to continuing to work with states and other stakeholders taking steps to implement the Clean Power Plan.”