Washington, D.C. — Following the Senate vote to confirm Trump judicial nominee Lawrence VanDyke to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released the following statement from Judiciary Program Director Ben Driscoll:

“The Senate just rewarded an unqualified, extreme ideologue with a lifetime seat on the federal bench at the expense of the health and well being of Nevadans and the entire Ninth Circuit. Lawrence VanDyke’s confirmation further tips the balance of this critical court in favor of polluters over people. 

“Lawrence VanDyke spent his legal career consistently opposing the interests of those most at risk in our society, with a particular focus on degrading our public lands and expanding dangerous oil and gas drilling. At a time when the courts are the only protection from the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back lifesaving environmental protections, it is more important than ever for our judges to be unbiased, qualified, and fair. 

“It is especially troubling that VanDyke was confirmed despite opposition from both of Nevada’s senators and 60 lawyers, judges, and other colleagues who said he was unfit for the job.”

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