Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Eagle Mountain Landfill Case, Helps Protect Joshua Tree National Park

BACKGROUND: Today, the Supreme Court announced that it will not hear an appeal from Kaiser Ventures LLC on a 2009 U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision, overturning the land exchange necessary for the development of what would be the world’s largest garbage dump on the boundary of Joshua Tree National Park.

Statement by David Lamfrom, California Desert Program Manager

“The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear this appeal is great news for all of us who care about Joshua Tree National Park.

“Joshua Tree, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, is an American icon. Local communities, regional economies, and more than 1 million visitors per year all benefit from the wildflower blooms, abundant wildlife, Joshua tree woodlands, and rock formations that have made this national park world-famous.

“Putting the country’s largest landfill next to one of its most revered landscapes is contrary to America’s collective work and investment to protect this national park for our shared enjoyment and inspiration-and to ensure that those who follow us can do the same.

“Depositing 20,000 tons of trash per day next to Joshua Tree National Park will hurt the air quality, water quality, scenery, and natural quiet of the park and its southern gateway communities. It would also increase the population of ravens – a major predator of the federally threatened desert tortoise.

“Courageous activists have worked for years to protect their communities from this project, and hundreds of thousands of park supporters have commented against the Eagle Mountain Landfill. The people have spoken, and they want Joshua Tree National Park to be protected.”

For background information, click here.

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.