On Thursday, October 10, 2024, government watchdog Accountable.US, along with over a dozen watchdog and accountability organizations, sent a letter to US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts demanding Justice Neil Gorsuch to recuse himself from an upcoming case due to a conflict of interest. The case in question is Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colo., which the Supreme Court is set to decide in the current term.
The letter highlights Justice Gorsuch’s longstanding relationship with billionaire Philip F. Anschutz, suggesting that this connection could influence the Court’s decision in a way that financially benefits Anschutz’s business interests. The organizations argue that Gorsuch’s past role as outside counsel to Anschutz, along with personal ties—including speaking engagements at Anschutz’s estate and joint investments—create a clear conflict that necessitates recusal.
The correspondence emphasizes a broader concern regarding the ethical standards of the Supreme Court, pointing to a series of reported ethical violations and failures to disclose gifts among justices that have eroded public trust. The groups involved in writing the letter include Action Together NEPA, Stand Up America, and Greenpeace USA, among others. They assert that Gorsuch’s recusal is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Court amid an ongoing ethics crisis.
In their argument, the signatories note that the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County case could potentially undermine significant environmental regulations. They argue that a ruling in favor of the petitioners might weaken the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which could have substantial implications for environmental protections. The letter specifically mentions that Anschutz’s company has faced multiple Environmental Assessments in relation to its drilling proposals, suggesting that a favorable ruling could lead to financial gains for Anschutz’s operations.
The letter further cites an amicus brief filed by Anschutz Exploration Corporation on September 4, 2024, which urges the Supreme Court to impose limits on NEPA’s scope of analysis. The groups contend that a ruling could enhance the profitability of Anschutz’s oil wells by reducing regulatory burdens and freight costs associated with transporting oil.
The signatories argue that the relationship between Gorsuch and Anschutz significantly exceeds the threshold of “reasonably-questioned impartiality” established by federal recusal statutes. They assert that allowing Gorsuch to participate in the case would not only be unethical but would also contribute to the ongoing legitimacy crisis facing the Supreme Court.
In their conclusion, the organizations call for immediate action to ensure that the Court adheres to high ethical standards, emphasizing that accountability and reform are necessary to restore confidence in the judiciary. The letter reflects a growing concern among watchdog groups regarding the influence of wealthy individuals on judicial decisions and the potential implications for public policy and environmental regulations.
The call for Gorsuch’s recusal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Supreme Court justices and their potential conflicts of interest, especially in cases that may involve significant financial stakes for influential figures. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the letter serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions about ethics and accountability within the nation’s highest court.
