Washington, D.C. — In response to Justice Anthony Kennedy’s announcement that he will retire from the Supreme Court, the League of Conservation Voters released the following statement from President Gene Karpinski:

“Justice Kennedy’s retirement shines a bright spotlight on the importance of our courts, especially the highest court, for the environment, public health, and the rights of people to have a say in their government. We call on President Trump to nominate someone who will be an independent jurist who can garner broad bipartisan support and who values equality and justice for all, not just the wealthy and powerful. Unfortunately, Trump has nominated many extremist, anti-environmental individuals to federal judgeships to date – threatening the bedrock democratic institutions and environmental laws that protect our clean air, water, lands and health. The stakes for our environment, climate and democracy have never been higher, and our more than two million members will be out in force to ensure that Justice Kennedy’s successor upholds the values we share as a nation.”