The critics argued that Anschutz’s financial interest in the case and his desired outcome, as reflected in the amicus brief, compromised the justice’s impartiality.
A Controversial Railway Project
At the heart of the case is the 88-mile Uinta Basin Railway Project, a proposed link between Utah’s Uinta Basin and the national rail network to transport crude oil to the Gulf Coast. The Seven County Infrastructure Coalition and Uinta Basin Railway LLC are appealing a D.C. Circuit ruling that invalidated the U.S. Surface Transportation Board’s approval of the project.
The appellate court found that the board failed to consider the full environmental impact, including potential oil spills and derailments. Conservation groups and Eagle County, Colorado, have asked the Supreme Court to uphold the decision, emphasizing the need for stringent environmental review under NEPA.
Calls for Greater Accountability
Rep. Hank Johnson Jr., D-Ga., praised Gorsuch for recusing himself but reiterated the need for stronger judicial ethics rules.