RIGHT-WING COURT ALLOWS POLLUTERS TO DESTROY PROTECTED WETLANDS

Sackett v. EPA decision increases flood risks; further threatens clean water access

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 25, 2023) — Today, in its latest assault on our environment, the Supreme Court ruled that previously protected wetlands can be opened to pollution and destruction. The Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency decision threatens to increase flooding and droughts, and to hurt the health of families and communities across the country at a time when 46 million Americans already lack access to clean drinking water.

“In the last two years alone, the right-wing Supreme Court justices have given polluters the go ahead to contaminate our air and our water. At this point they're like cartoon villains, and the only way to end their rampage is to expand the Court,” said Sarah Lipton-Lubet, president of Take Back the Court. “For this right-wing Court, the choice is simple: rich, exploitative polluting and mining industries are worth more than Americans’ health, safety, and lives. It’s time to expand and rebalance the Court — before these extremists roll back every single progressive advancement of the 20th century.”

Today’s decision follows last summer’s harmful ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, where the Court closed out its 2022 term by limiting the EPA’s authority to combat the climate crisis. Learn more about Sackett and its consequences on Take Back the Court’s website.

###