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In the US we have a court system that makes legal decisions. It is increasingly apparent that environmental health is intrinsically related to economic health. With this in mind, do you think it makes sense create environmental courts that would decide legal issues around development and the environment?
Asked by: Elvin J. from Nashville, TN
Asked of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall II (D-WV) on Jun 2nd, 2009
Answer from: U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall II (D-WV)
Rep. NICK RAHALL: No, I think those issues are addressed properly through the current judicial system. Uh, we have a number of cases for example in southern West Virginia that involve lawsuits against coal companies by environmental groups. Uh, they appear to have perfectly legitimate and [assessable/accessable?] access to our courtroom. So no, I’m not in favor of a separate environmental court. I believe the current system works fine. REPORTER: Are you aware of any attempts to get something like that going and what it would entail-? RAHALL: Honestly, I can’t answer that. I know of no attempts, so the answer would be no. And what it would entail, I have not researched it or in any way know. REPORTER: There is such a thing as family court – not a separate court system per se, but – would there be any possible advantage to going to something like that or reason to go that route? RAHALL: Uh- No, I see no reason to go that route.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2009
