2020 Scorecard Vote
The Senate considered President Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court holds immense power to protect our right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and participate equitably in our democracy. Justices on the court have an impact lasting generations, and it is essential that they respect precedent, interpret the law in a fair and well-reasoned manner, and act as an independent check on the president. Barrett’s record reflects a philosophy that will make it harder for those suffering environmental harms to get their day in court, and for federal agencies to issue critical public protections. As an appeals court judge, Barrett repeatedly applied a narrow view of the public’s right to access the courts, her academic writings suggest a willingness to undermine critical environmental protections, and during her confirmation hearing she was repeatedly unwilling to acknowledge the science of climate change. In addition to her environmental record, the flawed nomination process further delayed COVID-19 relief, and was a blatant and hypocritical power grab by the same congressional leaders who refused a hearing for Judge Garland’s nomination to the Court. On October 25, the Senate invoked cloture on Barrett’s nomination by a vote of 51-48 (Senate roll call vote 222). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.
pro-environment position