It’s been challenging to keep up with all of the executive orders coming out of the White House since January 20th, but the about-face in how agencies construct and evaluate rules is enough to give one whiplash.
When did merit cease to serve as the primary basis for political or professional advancement in this supposedly colorblind, “gender-neutral,” equality-oriented society? I of course recognize “diversity” (however one defines it) as a worthy goal, broadly speaking. But it amazes and troubles me to see “diversity” totally eclipsing all other considerations in so many aspects of contemporary life. We saw this most recently in the confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.…
Mountain States Legal Foundation this week filed an amended class action complaint in the case of Brigida v. U.S Department of Transportation, following a federal judge’s order allowing plaintiffs to move forward with pre-class certification discovery. It’s a breakthrough in the case MSLF has been fighting to achieve over the past two years.
Tom Paterson’s Spur Ranch Cattle Company is an excellent steward of public grazing lands in New Mexico. But he and dozens of other ranchers are at risk of being put out of business by radical environmentalists and their junk science.
Yesterday, MSLF filed a brief on behalf of two Utah counties near Grand Staircase-Escalante. In it, MSLF joined with several local individuals and sporting organizations represented by Pacific Legal Foundation, rural farmers, and the State of Utah again supporting the federal government’s position in Wilderness Society v. Trump that it lawfully reduced the size of two Utah national monuments.
The opportunity to work as a fellow at Mountain States Legal Foundation taught me that it is imperative we hold our government accountable and keep it in check.
In the lobby of True Companies in Casper, Wyoming hangs a plaque: The Code of the West. The 10 principles listed include courage, fairness and keeping your word. Those are all values True Companies’ founder “Dave” True, Jr., 1915-1994, lived out. The legendary Wyoming wildcatter is also known to many as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. He’s known to Mountain States Legal Foundation as a hero and former Chairman of the Board.
The CFTC changed the rules regarding Monex Deposit Company’s business, after years of approving of their business model. Sudden rule changes and retroactive enforcement like this infringe on constitutional due process protections. They also put citizens, businesses and the economy at risk.
When the government can change the rules anytime without warning, all livelihoods are threatened. That’s why MSLF filed an amicus brief in Monex v. CFTC.
Imagine buying a lease from the government, spending years following the rules and preparing to access leased minerals, only to have it cancelled and have to sue for your rights? Sidney Longwell doesn’t have to imagine. He’s living it.