PLF’s Sackett case will be featured on “Real Estate Today” national radio program

Sacramento, CA; March 2, 2012: This weekend, “Real Estate Today,” the nationally syndicated radio program produced by the National Association of Realtors, will feature the plight of small property owners Mike and Chantell Sackett of Priest Lake, Idaho, who are represented by Pacific Legal Foundation attorneys in a high-profile property rights case at the U.S. Supreme Court.

To listen to host Gil Gross’ interview with Mike Sackett, visit the website for “Real Estate Today.”

The list of stations carrying the program may be found online.

Without notice or hearings, the Sacketts were devastated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency when it effectively seized control of their small parcel of property, told them they could not build the three bedroom home for which they had received all the necessary county permits, accused them of filling in “wetlands,” and threatened them with tens of millions of dollars in fines if they didn’t obey a detailed, intrusive EPA “compliance order.”

The Sackett case is important for all property owners

Represented by PLF attorneys, the Sacketts are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the Ninth Circuit, and hold that they — and, indeed, all property owners who might be hit with EPA wetlands “compliance” orders — have a right to meaningful judicial review of the agency’s takeover of their property.

The National Association of Realtors was among the organizations (along with ten state governments) that submitted amicus briefs to the Supreme Court, in support of the Sacketts’ right to challenge EPA’s effective seizure of their land.

The case is Sackett v. EPA. Oral argument was held on January 9 and a decision is expected in spring or early summer. 

About Pacific Legal Foundation
Donor-supported Pacific Legal Foundation (www.pacificlegal.org) is a legal watchdog organization that litigates for limited government, property rights, and a balanced approach to environmental protection, in courts across the country.

Sackett v. EPA marks the seventh time that the U.S. Supreme Court has heard a PLF case for liberty and limited government.