On February 25, President Joe Biden appointed Judge Ketanji Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Earthjustice is proud to support Jackson’s nomination as an organization that uses the law to protect our environment.
The Bottom Line: Jackson has shown a commitment towards upholding laws that protect the planet and its inhabitants
- Jackson is currently a federal judge at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The D.C. Circuit hears many environmental law cases because it is often responsible to determine whether rules issued by federal agencies, such as the EPA, are legal.
- Jackson’s environmental record shows her ability to understand complex regulatory issues and statutory issues, and to apply the facts to law.
- Government of Guam against the United StatesJacksons approach is best illustrated by this case. Guam was allowed by her to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy had placed a polluting landfill in the island, contaminating a nearby stream, and refused to pay cleanup costs.
Why It Matters: In the fight to protect the environment, the Supreme Court plays a significant role
- U.S. law gives people the legal right of clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems. Justices must recognize that the federal government is responsible for protecting these rights for all citizens.
- The Supreme Court will decide whether the government can act on the most pressing issues of our time. This includes addressing climate change, upholding our right for clean air and water, and protecting our right to vote.
What’s at stake: The ability of the government to fight climate change and protect the environment.
- The Supreme Court’s nine-member members now include a six-member majority made up of conservative justices. This group is poised to reverse decades of established precedents in a way that advances a political agenda at cost of basic rights and protections.
- From the recent West Virginia v. EPAIn a decision on the Clean Water Act, the court seems keen to embrace legal doctrines which would significantly weaken environmental protections that have significantly improved our water and air quality.
- Jackson is known for prioritizing facts and not politics when making decisions.
What Next: We ask the Senate to confirm Jackson as quickly as possible
Earthjustice Senior Vice-President of Programs Sam Sankar said, “If you care about protecting clean water and wild places and wildlife, making sure Congress and President have the authority, and combating climate change and protecting public health, then you should care about this nomination, and the integrity and operation of our federal courts.” We are confident that Judge Jackson can bring a new perspective to one the most crucial institutions of our democracy.
