WASHINGTON Justice Stephen Breyer will step down from the U.S. Supreme Court sometime later in the year, multiple news outlets reported today.
Mitch Bernard (Chief Counsel of NRDC) made the following statement.
Justice Breyer’s distinguished career of providing fair and thoughtful services to the nation will be remembered. He voted in important cases to affirm the safeguards that we depend on to protect clean air and water, healthy wildlife, and sustainable habitat.
Two cases are before the Court that aim to weaken decades worth of clean air and water quality protections, and limit the tools we have to combat the climate crisis. These cases highlight the importance of ensuring his successor interprets our laws in accordance with Congress’ purpose in enacting them. He also understands the importance and responsibility of the government to protect the environment and public health.
We trust the Senate to act promptly when President Biden nominates.
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NRDCThe NRC (Natural Resources Defense Council), an international non-profit environmental organization, has more than 3,000,000 members and is active online. Our lawyers, scientists, environmental specialists, and other experts have been working together since 1970 to protect the natural resources, public health, the environment, and the public. NRDC has offices located in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing, and Los Angeles. Visit us atwww.nrdc.orgFollow us on Twitter @NRDC