"President Joe Biden has an opportunity to shape one of the most important federal courts for environmental policy and other regulations after Judge David S. Tatel announced plans to take senior status.

Tatel, who notified the president of his plans on Thursday, has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for nearly three decades, providing a reliable vote for environmental interests in cases involving anti-pollution laws.

Legal observers consider the D.C. Circuit the most important federal court for energy and environmental issues, as provisions of the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and other statutes funnel legal challenges there. The court has also heard major challenges involving net neutrality, presidential records, and other high-profile policy issues."

Ellen M. Gilmer reports for Bloomberg Environment February 12, 2021. [2]