ELR Citation: 56 ELR 20037
No(s). CV-23-00391-TUC-RCC (D. Ariz. Mar 27, 2026) (Collins, J.)

A district court denied an environmental group's motion for summary judgment in a challenge to FWS' critical habitat designation for the northern Mexican gartersnake. The group argued the designation violated the ESA because FWS did not rely on the best available science, it ignored aspects of the problem, and the decision lacked a rational connection to the evidence. The court found FWS relied on best available science and that its designation was not arbitrary or capricious because it relied on approximately 200 studies and documents related to gartersnakes, provided rational support for its change, and where it had limited information, the limitations were well reasoned. It denied the group's motion and granted FWS' cross-motion.