Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance a number of exceptional federal judicial nominees to the full Senate for consideration and final confirmation votes. The Sierra Club has endorsed and sent letters of support for several of the nominees including Nancy Abudu for the 11th Circuit, Rachel S. Bloomekatz for the 6th Circuit, and Dale Ho for the Southern District of New York. Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced additional judicial nominees, including Bradley N. Garcia for the DC Circuit.
Fully realizing the goals of foundational environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act or the Clean Air Act requires judges who recognize the federal government’s ability and obligation to protect the public and its environment, who can tell the difference between science and politics, and who understand that individuals need access to the courts to hold industry and the government accountable.
The full Senate is expected to vote on the nominees as early as next Tuesday. There are over 100 federal judiciary positions that will need to be filled.
In response, Sierra Club Democracy Program Director Courtney Hight issued the following statement:
“The Sierra Club thanks Senate Judiciary Chair Durbin and the committee’s Democrats for advancing these exceptional and well-qualified judicial nominees. Our environmental laws are only as strong as the judges who uphold them, and we are confident this slate of nominees will fulfill those duties to the best of their abilities.
“We call on Leader Schumer to swiftly schedule final floor votes to confirm these nominees.”
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.