Right-wing Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch recused himself from an upcoming environmental case this week, but did so without explaining his reasoning — a fact not lost on a Slate writer, who cautioned readers to avoid the temptation of viewing his move as an embrace of ethics. Arguments are scheduled for next week in the case Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County. On Wednesday, a clerk delivered a letter that said Gorsuch determined "he will not continue to participate in this case," "consistent with the new ethics code.

The conservative justice previously represented a billionaire who may benefit from the court's upcoming ruling.

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch announced Wednesday that he will recuse himself from a case dealing with a western railway line after Democratic lawmakers called attention to the fact that a longtime ally of his could benefit from the court’s decision.

Conservative Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch will step aside from an environmental case being argued next week after reviewing the court's new ethics code, according to a letter sent on Wednesday to lawyers involved.