Gorsuch Recuses from Key Utah Railway Case

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch has recused himself from a critical environmental case, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, following pressure from Democratic lawmakers and activist groups. This decision comes as the court's new ethics code is scrutinized, particularly regarding justices' connections to wealthy benefactors like Philip Anschutz, a billionaire with potential financial interests in the case. The case involves a proposed 88-mile railway line in Utah intended to transport crude oil, which raised concerns about environmental impacts. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Hank Johnson, highlighted Gorsuch's past professional relationship with Anschutz, emphasizing the need for justices to uphold high ethical standards. Gorsuch’s recusal was consistent with the Supreme Court’s code of conduct, which was adopted last year amid ethical concerns, although it lacks enforcement mechanisms. The recusal decision underscores ongoing debates about transparency and accountability within the Supreme Court.