Presidential environmental regulations often face court challenges, shaping policies on climate, water, air, and wildlife.
In short:
- Environmental rules, regardless of the president, are frequently challenged in court.
- Lower federal courts, where thousands of decisions are made, often have the final say.
- Recent judicial appointments have emphasized partisan alignment over experience, affecting court decisions on environmental issues.
Key quote:
“I do think we need a Supreme Court, appellate courts, trial courts, that respect the law and respect facts and avoid this kind of activist bent.”
— DJ Gerken, president of the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
Judges' rulings shape the effectiveness of environmental regulations, impacting the government's ability to address critical climate issues. Increased judicial skepticism can undermine efforts to manage emerging environmental challenges.
