Washington, D.C. — In response to President Trump’s nomination of Justin Walker to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, the League of Conservation Voters released the following statement from Judiciary Program Director Ben Driscoll:

“In the midst of a global pandemic, the Trump Administration is seeking to execute one of its most harmful and lasting legacies on the future of public health, nominating an unqualified Mitch McConnell crony and Fox News personality in his 30s to a lifetime position on the powerful D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

“The D.C. Circuit is central to considering the most important cases involving public protections, including for our clean air, water, action on climate, and access to healthcare. The nomination of Justin Walker substitutes basic judicial qualifications and competence for political connections and partisan loyalty, and puts our nation at risk. Walker is not a serious candidate, having been deemed ‘not qualified’ to perform his current role as a Kentucky district court judge, a role he was confirmed to just months ago. And at a time when our nation faces dire health concerns, it is unconscionable to nominate someone who has argued for stripping healthcare from millions of people, and undermining the fundamental protections of our lands and communities.”

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