ELR Citation: 54 ELR 20072
No(s). 23-5189 (D.C. Cir. May 3, 2024)

The D.C. Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the Army Corps of Engineers and NMFS in a challenge to approval of a dredging project in Puerto Rico's San Juan Bay. Environmental groups argued the agencies failed to take the necessary "hard look" at the project's environmental effect. The district court granted summary judgment for the agencies, concluding they did not act arbitrarily, capriciously, or contrary to any environmental statute in fulfilling their obligations to examine environmental impacts. The appellate court affirmed, finding the agencies adequately considered the project's cumulative impacts, how it would affect minority and low-income communities, and its impact on threatened coral species.