At least two business groups applauded the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday for ordering a temporary halt of a new regulation meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants, although one energy-sector association called it a mistake.

The Supreme Court's decision to order the stay came as a surprise to many legal experts as the high court rarely blocks federal regulations while a lower court is reviewing them, the Washington Post reported. At issue is an Environmental Protection Agency initiative that is considered President Barack Obama's key policy in combating climate change.

The stay will remain in place while the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the regulations, the Post reported. http://wapo.st/1LgVTVQ

One of the main opponents of the regulation is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a statement, Chamber CEO Tom Donohue urged the circuit court to review the case quickly.

"The EPA's rule would put the government in control of our energy choices, drive up electricity costs for American businesses, consumers and families, impose tens of billions of dollars in annual compliance costs, and reduce our nation's global competitiveness," he said.

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity—which represents corporations that own coal-fired power plants—hailed the Supreme Court decision as an unprecedented step.

"The stay is a signal the Supreme Court has serious concerns with the (Clean) Power Plan," ACCCE CEO Mike Duncan said. "We're optimistic the Power Plan will ultimately be rejected."

Not everyone saw the decision as a win. The American Wind Energy Association said the regulation builds on existing trends in the energy industry that has allowed many regions of the country to reduce their carbon emissions.

"Today's decision does not mean the Clean Power Plan has been overturned, to the contrary, we are confident that once the courts carefully consider the merits of these cases, the Clean Power Plan will stand," AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan said. "A stay, however is disappointing because it may signal eventual delays in reducing both the carbon pollution that is causing climate change and getting proven, clean and affordable wind energy to more Americans."

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