Of Counsel Gus Bauman (Washington, DC) spoke with Law360 about legal challenges to the planned renovation of Washington, DC’s East Potomac Golf Course.

In “Trump Golf Course Renovation Faces Legal Headwinds,” Gus said the lawsuit brought against the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)—alleging violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and Administrative Procedure Act (APA)—reflects a broader set of recent challenges to federal projects initiated by the President raising similar procedural issues, including matters related to the White House’s East Wing.

The suit also alleges that the East Wing’s demolition debris are being dumped at the public park’s golf course in violation of NEPA, NHPA, and APA. Gus said the cases are “all part of the same tapestry,” observing that they involve questions about compliance with federal environmental and administrative requirements.

Gus emphasized that this case may raise broader questions about the government’s role as a steward of public resources and said the plaintiffs appear to present a "compelling case for arbitrary action by the government."

Beveridge & Diamond has counseled clients on NEPA issues since its earlier implementation through multiple administrations. We offer a full range of counseling, permitting, and litigation services for developers of energy, water, transportation, and municipal infrastructure, including significant capabilities to assist with NEPA reviews and litigate challenges to agency actions. For more information, please contact the authors or any member of the Firm’s NEPA and Historic Preservation Reviews or Infrastructure and Project Development and Permitting practices.