The Department of Justice, accused by multiple government leaders of political bias and unprofessional conduct, announced on Wednesday legal action against the son of Republican West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.
Justice, who is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2024, confirmed the DOJ filed a lawsuit against his son, James C. Justice III, and 13 coal companies he coordinates.
According to West Virginia Metro News, the umbrella company in question, Bluestone Resource, is owned by James C. Justice III. The governor’s son serves Bluestone Resources as chief executive officer.
The suit alleges Bluestone Resources operated outside of EPA-related regulations and has failed to pay millions in civil penalties.
The DOJ contends that since 2017, companies owned or controlled by Justice III “violated their legal obligations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.”
A statement released by the DOJ notes that the Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement cited Justice III more than 130 times between 2018 and 2022. In addition, the DOJ issued 50 cessation orders to the companies.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said: “Our environmental laws serve to protect communities against adverse effects of industrial activities, including surface coal mining operations.”
Kim continued: “Through this suit, the Justice Department seeks to deliver accountability for defendants’ repeated violations of the law and to recover the penalties they owe as a result of those violations.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee blasted the DOJ, tweeting:
“Joe Biden’s Department of Justice has gone totally rogue. Democrats weaponizing the federal government to attack the family of a Republican Senate candidate is a complete abuse of power.”
The lawsuit seeks $7.6 million in penalties and fines.
In April, Gov. Justice announced he intended to run against Sen. Joe Manchin (D) for a seat in the Senate in the upcoming 2024 election. According to a recent East Carolina University poll, the popular governor enjoys a commanding 22-point lead over Manchin.
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