Kavanaugh and the Environment
How will recently confirmed Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh conduct himself vis-a-vis environmental issues?
The answer is obvious, of course; he wouldn’t have been appointed in the first place if there were any indication whatsoever that he would impede Trump’s position as a wrecking ball to any regulation of emissions, the dumping of toxic waste, or anything else that might get in the way of corporate profits.
From the American Energy Society: “Two years ago Justice Kavanaugh said: “The earth is warming… and humans are contributing.” However, in his judicial opinions, the judge has consistently restricted the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to address concerns about climate change, believing that government agencies should only have powers explicitly given them by Congress. For instance, last year Kavanaugh overruled any restrictions imposed by the EPA on the use of the most potent climate-warming gases: hydrofluorocarbons (used in air conditioners, etc.).”
I have to give Trump credit for his tenacity. When you add up the damage he’s done to our skies and oceans in less than two years, coupled with two horrific Supreme Court appointees who will be around for decades, it’s quite impressive.
Craig,
The US Supreme Court should be a Constitutional Court, not a political institution.
Congress is charged with making laws and the Pre4sident and executive branch is charged with formulating policy and effecting efficient administration.
Justice Kavanaugh will interpret the Constitution in accord with precedent and impartially devoid of political bias.
The Supreme Court should not be activist and attempt to make law, nor should the President, that is a task reserved for Congress, and Congress alone.
Perhaps it’s time for US legislators to accept responsibility for the task given to them by the US electors and start earning their pay by passing competent, well constructed, workable legislation instead of abrogating their duty for fear of becoming the target of media opprobrium and hoping the Supreme Court, or presidential executive administrative orders, will solve the issues Congress was elected to debate and resolve.