A fossil fuel company tied to Justice Neil Gorsuch is urging the Supreme Court to approve a crude oil rail project and curb federal environmental oversight.
Freddy Brewster reports for The Lever.
In short:
- Anschutz Exploration Corporation, linked to Gorsuch, seeks approval for an 88-mile rail line near the Colorado River, potentially risking a major water source for millions.
- The case could reshape how federal agencies enforce environmental laws under the National Environmental Policy Act, limiting their ability to review projects.
- Gorsuch’s ties to Anschutz, spanning decades, have raised concerns over impartiality, with calls for his recusal from the case.
Key quote:
“Now we have yet another case backed by yet another fossil fuel billionaire to undermine another court protection for our environment, our health, and our safety, and yet another MAGA Justice with financial ties to big oil.”
— Doug Lindner, senior director at the environmental nonprofit League Of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
A Supreme Court decision siding with oil interests could jeopardize environmental protections that safeguard water, wildlife and communities from industrial risks. It may also embolden efforts to weaken regulatory authority across the U.S.
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