Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, news broke that Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer intends to retire at the end of the Court’s term in June. Breyer has served on the high court for 27 years, consistently recognizing the government’s obligation under the law to protect public health and the environment, protecting the public’s right to access the courts to hold government and industries accountable, and clearly distinguishing between facts and politics. The nominee to fill Justice Breyer’s seat must be fair-minded, highly qualified, and embody those same qualities.
In response, Sierra Club President Ramon Cruz released the following statement:
“The Sierra Club celebrates Justice Breyer’s nearly three decades of public service affirming our civil liberties and upholding our right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, love who we choose, hold elected officials accountable, and access affordable healthcare.
“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. As the highest court in the country, the Supreme Court must be composed of justices that are fair, even-handed, and thoughtful, and the decision on the next Supreme Court justice will shape the direction of our country for generations to come.
“Republican efforts to politicize the Supreme Court have undermined public trust in the Court and threaten its proper role in our democracy. To ensure the Supreme Court does not further tilt towards those seeking to advance their political agendas, President Biden must nominate someone who will continue Justice Breyer’s legacy and act in the people’s interest.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.