ELR Citation: ELR 20610
No(s). 348-73 (D.D.C. Jun 15, 1973)

A statement of no environmental impact for the chartering of a national bank satisfies NEPA requirements since the possibility of environmental damage resulting from projects undertaken with loans from the bank is too speculative. The great bulk of development in the area is financed by banks outside the county, and urbanization would continue irrespective of the chartering of this bank. Although the Comptroller of the Currency did not follow the procedural mechanism mandated by NEPA, there was adequate consideration of environmental consequences. The court finds that the public interest would not be served by the issuance of a preliminary injunction or a remand requiring compliance with proper procedures. See Billings v. Camp, 2 ELR 20687 (1972).

Counsel for Plaintiffs
John P. Proctor
Debevoise & Lieberman
745 Shoreham Building
Washington, DC 20005

Counsel for Defendants
Jeffrey S. Rosen
Civil Division
Department of Justice
Washington, DC 20530

John E. Shockey
Edwar Jiran
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, DC 20220