William O. Douglas's Former Clerk Sitting on Key Climate Change Case

摘要

A path-breaking climate case now pending in federal district court, . The People of the State of California v. BP PL. C, has surprising roots in the environmentalists' most celebrated Supreme Court justice. William O. Douglas was an uncompromising green. He served on the Court for almost 37 years, longer than any other justice. Yet, to his great unhappiness, failing health compelled Douglas to resign in 1975 just when modern environmental law in the United States was emerging in full force.