In a surprising turn of events, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a conservative appointee of former President Donald Trump, has ruled in favor of the Biden administration and Special Counsel Jack Smith in two significant legal battles. The cases, which were filed in the conservative-friendly Amarillo courthouse, saw Kacsmaryk dismiss lawsuits that could have hindered key government actions, signaling a rare win for the Democratic administration.
On Tuesday, Kacsmaryk ruled to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a conservative think tank, which sought to challenge the U.S. Department of Energy’s new energy-efficiency standards for household washers and dishwashers. The regulations, aimed at reducing water usage, had been implemented earlier this year as part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to promote energy conservation.
The judge’s decision came just a day after he rejected a high-profile lawsuit from Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had filed a motion to block Special Counsel Jack Smith from potentially destroying records related to his criminal investigations into former President Donald Trump. Kacsmaryk dismissed Paxton’s claims as lacking sufficient grounds, stating that there was no credible evidence to support the allegations that Smith had engaged in document destruction.
Judge Kacsmaryk’s recent rulings mark the latest in a series of decisions that have garnered national attention for their impact on contentious political issues. Known for his conservative leanings, Kacsmaryk has often been a key figure in cases challenging Biden administration policies, particularly those related to LGBTQ rights, immigration, and abortion.
Most notably, last year Kacsmaryk temporarily suspended approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, a decision that sparked widespread debate. The U.S. Supreme Court later overturned part of his ruling, ensuring continued access to the drug used in more than 60% of U.S. abortions. This latest series of rulings, however, marks a rare defeat for conservative litigants in Kacsmaryk’s courtroom.
The dismissal of the CEI’s lawsuit is particularly significant, as the think tank had sought to challenge the Biden administration’s new energy-efficiency standards for washing machines and dishwashers, which are designed to cap water usage in these appliances. The regulations were adopted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, which outlines the process for challenging federal rules. Kacsmaryk ruled that the correct venue for such challenges lies with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, not in his courtroom in Amarillo, citing precedents set by earlier rulings.
In another key case, Judge Kacsmaryk also dealt a blow to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the destruction of records related to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into former President Trump. Paxton’s legal action was based on a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and sought to secure records related to the criminal probes into Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents.
Kacsmaryk rejected Paxton’s request for a temporary restraining order, stating that there was no credible evidence to suggest that Smith was destroying or would destroy any records related to the investigation. Paxton’s legal team has not yet indicated whether they plan to appeal the ruling or pursue alternative legal avenues.
The cases in Kacsmaryk’s courtroom have attracted attention due to the judge’s reputation for ruling in favor of conservative causes, raising questions about “judge shopping”—the practice of selecting a court venue likely to produce a favorable outcome. Critics argue that litigants with conservative agendas often steer their cases to Amarillo, where Kacsmaryk, the sole judge in the courthouse, has historically sided with them in major legal disputes.
Despite Kacsmaryk’s conservative reputation, his recent rulings in these cases are notable victories for the Biden administration. They come at a time when the administration is facing increasing legal challenges, particularly in areas such as energy policy and its investigations into Trump’s actions.
While Kacsmaryk’s decisions may have provided a temporary setback for conservative litigants, it remains to be seen whether these rulings will hold up on appeal. The plaintiffs in the CEI case have indicated that they are considering an appeal or seeking to have Kacsmaryk reconsider his decision. Additionally, Paxton’s legal team could explore other avenues for challenging the dismissal of their case.
The cases in question are Word v. U.S. Department of Energy (No. 2:24-cv-00130) and State of Texas v. Garland (No. 2:24-cv-00240). Both are being closely watched as barometers of the broader political and judicial climate in the U.S., where legal battles between conservative and progressive forces are playing out in the courts.
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