Sierra Club Statement On Supreme Court Justice Kennedy’s Retirement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced he is retiring from the Supreme Court. This announcement follows on several extreme Supreme Court decisions this week, including upholding Trump’s xenophobic Muslim ban and attacking public sector unions.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

"Justice Kennedy’s retirement today and the Court’s decisions handed down this week underscore the importance of our courts, which has never been more clear. The Supreme Court has the great and solemn responsibility to uphold the values of our Constitution, and keep faith with the letter and spirit of the nation’s core public health, environmental, civil rights, and labor laws. Therefore, the Court must protect the rights of women, workers, the LGBTQ community, and people of color. The Court must protect healthcare for millions, secure clean air and clean water for all, ensure action to tackle the climate crisis, take steps to guarantee the right to vote, and safeguard the very strength of our democracy.

“The decision over the next Supreme Court Justice will shape the direction of our country, and whether the promises enshrined in our Constitution and our laws are upheld or rolled back. That is why the Senate should only confirm a new Justice to the nation’s highest court who will act in the best interest of everyone who lives in the United States, not just corporate polluters, right wing ideologues, and the most wealthy. The Sierra Club is committed to rising up with our allies across the country to ensure that happens.”