Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as the next associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Jackson will become the first Black woman to serve on the court in its history. Following the vote, Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen issued the following statement:

“Today is a day to celebrate the historic confirmation of Justice Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court and recognize this tremendous step forward in ensuring that our nation’s highest court looks more like the people it serves. The Supreme Court is at the center of some of the biggest challenges facing our nation, and Justice Jackson’s exemplary qualifications, judicial temperament, and lived experiences as a Black woman will greatly benefit the court and our nation.

“Our environmental laws are only as strong as the judges who uphold them, and Justice Jackson is the well-qualified, fair-minded Supreme Court justice we need in this critical moment for the environment. She understands the difference between facts and politics, decides cases based on settled law and precedent, and recognizes the responsibility of the government to protect public health and the environment.

“During Justice Jackson’s four-day confirmation hearing we saw her weather baseless and false attacks on her character while Senate Judiciary Republicans misconstrued her judicial record to undermine her historic confirmation. Despite it all, Justice Jackson’s inspiring persona shone through, and she deftly answered their questions with strength and poise. Her story is truly a testament to how far our country has come, and now she will make history by shaping its future. We celebrate this historic day and look forward to Justice Jackson’s time on the court.”