Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, et al., Plaintiffs, Civil Action No. 23 - 3343 (SLS) v. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan U.S. OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT, et al., Defendants. MEMORANDUM OPINION The Endangered Species Act of 1973 entrusts federal agencies with the critical task of identifying and preserving endangered and threatened species across our country. This case is about whether the Act permits those agencies to delegate certain authorities and responsibilities to state regulators in the field of coal mining.…